UK tourists must apply for GHIC at least 15 days before flying to Europe
Brits planning a European getaway this summer are being urged to secure an essential card at least 15 days before departure. This vital piece of documentation grants access to free or reduced-cost healthcare whilst overseas.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which took over from the widely recognised European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in use since 2004, is a must-have for travellers. Although travel insurance remains a key recommendation for those holidaying abroad, the GHIC enables you to access public healthcare services across most European nations.
The NHS website clarifies: "The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay."
For those who still possess a valid EHIC, it can be used until its expiry date. Post-expiry, a GHIC will be required as a replacement.
Bear in mind that receiving a new GHIC by post typically takes up to 15 days, so it's wise to apply several weeks ahead of your intended travel dates.
How to apply
Eligibility for a free UK GHIC extends to UK residents, and applications can include family members. When applying, be prepared to provide:
Your full name
Your address
Your date of birth
Your National Insurance number
Your Health and Care number (for Northern Ireland residents).
Each family member requires an individual card. You have the option to include your spouse, civil partner, and offspring in your application all at once.
Your personal information must be entered initially, followed by adding additional cards when prompted.
Should you need to append further family members post-application, you ought to contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Your reference number, full name, date of birth, and address are essentials for us to locate your details.
Upon submission of your application, expect an email from the NHS within a day's time confirming its approval status - check your spam folder if no communication is received. The NHS may request supplementary information or documents to proceed with approval.
In the event that your card does not arrive before travelling, and you require medical attention, apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) for interim coverage.
What it covers
The card enables access to state healthcare services during your stay that cannot be postponed until your return to the UK, often termed "medically necessary healthcare". This encompasses situations such as:.
Emergency interventions and A&E attendance
Management of chronic or pre-existing conditions
Routine antenatal care provided giving birth abroad is not the purpose of your trip
Certain treatments, such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, will need to be pre-arranged with the appropriate healthcare provider in the country you're visiting. This is due to the fact that it's not always guaranteed that local healthcare providers will have the capacity to provide this care.
The decision on whether treatment is medically necessary is made by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.
State healthcare isn't always free outside of the UK. You may be required to pay for treatments that would be free on the NHS if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting.
Before travelling, it's advisable to research the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you may face.
You can check the relevant country guide on GOV.UK for information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting.
However, a GHIC (or EHIC) card does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:
Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK)
Treatment in a private medical facility
Ski or mountain rescue
For this reason, the NHS advises that you also have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
A UK GHIC can be used when you're visiting:
A country in the European Economic Area (EEA)
Montenegro
Australia
Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
St Helena, Tristan and Ascension
A UK GHIC can be used in Switzerland if you're one of the following:.
A British national
A Swiss national
An EU citizen
A refugee
A stateless person
A family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses
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The UK Government is in talks with various countries to broaden the applicability of the UK GHIC, so it's always advisable to verify coverage prior to your journey. For further details, visit the NHS website here.
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