What’s happening to the EHIC Card?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently you are probably aware that the UK has completed Brexit and has left the EU as of the 1st January. One concern for many travellers was that the free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC card) may be abolished as part of Brexit, thankfully it’s here to stay, albeit with some changes!

What is an EHIC Card?

The European Health Insurance Card (yes we are aware the abbreviation has card in it too!) allows UK residents to obtain the same treatment at European hospitals/Doctors etc. that a local resident of the country would receive. E.g. If residents received free treatment you would also receive free treatment.

The card covers the countries inside the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Is my EHIC Card valid?

The short answer is yes! It will still be valid until the expiry date listed on the card BUT it will no longer be valid in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

What’s replacing the EHIC Card?

The UK Government has announced a new card will be taking it’s place called the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC.)

The card has EXACTLY the same coverage as the EHIC card does now (EU countries & not Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.) So there is no need to get a replacement for your EHIC until it expires.

If you need a new health insurance card you can apply on the NHS website here – https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/

Remember an EHIC/GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, though you may feel it provided adequate cover for you. You will be entitled to the same treatment as the residents of the country that you are in. This means you may need to pay for some services which are free in the UK.

Again you can read about the card and what to do if you are a UK resident studying abroad or an EU national living in the UK etc on the NHS website – https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/