Latest news with #GlobalHealthInsuranceCard
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
Expert issues scam website alert for anyone who needs travel card
UK tourists have been warned to be on the lookout for a scam that could catch out holidaymakers People have been urged to research deals before booking trips after over £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024. Siobhan Blagbrough, Financial Crime Manager at Ocean Finance, explained: "Everyone's looking for a bargain break, and that makes us more likely to rush into things without checking the details properly. "Fraudsters take advantage of the seasonal demand by posting fake listings, posing as landlords or travel agents, and demanding upfront payments for holidays that don't exist." The expert also issued an alert over a Global Health Insurance Card scam, warning: "We're also seeing people being tricked into paying for Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs), which are free through the NHS." The NHS website explains that you can apply for a card for free. It says: "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 (...) A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply." However, scammers could target holidaymakers applying for a card, and it's one of several methods known to be popular with fraudsters, reports the Mirror. Siobhan said: "The most common trick is to pile on the pressure, scammers love using urgency to force quick decisions. If a deal seems too good to be true, take a step back and research before you book." Below, the expert highlighted five of the biggest holiday scams to look out for. Fake accommodation listings Siobhan said: "Fraudsters will post holiday homes that don't exist or aren't available for rent, taking payments upfront before disappearing. These listings often appear on social media or lesser-known websites. Always double-check the listing by running a reverse image search and booking through trusted platforms." Clone comparison sites "Some scammers go to great lengths to build fake versions of well-known holiday comparison or airline sites. They look almost identical but are set up purely to steal your payment details. Double-check the web URL and look out for subtle misspellings or unusual domain names," the expert warned. Bogus travel agents "You might get a message from a 'travel expert' offering a last-minute deal that feels too good to ignore. They may even send what looks like a real booking confirmation," the expert revealed. "But behind the scenes, there's no flight or hotel reservation. If they insist on a bank transfer or pressure you to book fast, walk away." Social media bargains Siobhan continued: "Many scammers use Facebook or Instagram to post holiday deals, but clicking through often leads to fake booking pages or demands for advance payments. They might say 'only two spots left' or 'another family is interested', but this urgency is all part of the scam." Fake GHIC websites "Applying for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) through the NHS website is free, but scam websites sometimes charge a £30 - £40 fee to 'process' your application. These fake sites look professional and often rank high on search results, so it's easy to be fooled," the expert said. How to protect your money Siobhan advised sticking to trusted sites and companies and paying by credit card for extra protection. She said: "Book through well-known companies and pay inside the platform using a secure method. Once you go outside those platforms, you lose the protection they offer. If someone asks for a bank transfer or says they'll give you a better deal if you pay privately, that's a big red flag." Siobhan added that you shouldn't ignore warning signs. "If a deal looks unusually cheap for the time of year or destination, slow down and look a bit closer. Check whether the company is part of a recognised travel association like ABTA or ATOL. Even searching the company name with the word 'scam' can bring up useful results," she explained. The expert said: "If you think you've been scammed, act fast. Contact your bank straight away - if the payment hasn't gone through yet, they might be able to stop it. If it has, they can talk you through what to do next. It's also important to report the scam to Action Fraud and Citizens Advice, and if the scam came via email, forward it to report@
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Expert issues travel alert over Global Health Insurance Card scam
The advice comes from a Financial Crime Manager, who explained how scammers are targeting holidaymakers An expert is urging Brits to research deals before booking vacations after over £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024. Siobhan Blagbrough, Financial Crime Manager at Ocean Finance, explained: "Everyone's looking for a bargain break, and that makes us more likely to rush into things without checking the details properly. "Fraudsters take advantage of the seasonal demand by posting fake listings, posing as landlords or travel agents, and demanding upfront payments for holidays that don't exist." She also warned against a Global Health Insurance Card scam, adding: "We're also seeing people being tricked into paying for Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs), which are free through the NHS." As per the NHS website,"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 (...) A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply." Unfortunately, it's not the only scam aimed at UK holidaymakers. Siobhan said: "The most common trick is to pile on the pressure, scammers love using urgency to force quick decisions. If a deal seems too good to be true, take a step back and research before you book." Below, the expert shared five of the biggest holiday scams to watch out for. Fake accommodation listings Siobhan warned: "Fraudsters will post holiday homes that don't exist or aren't available for rent, taking payments upfront before disappearing. These listings often appear on social media or lesser-known websites. Always double-check the listing by running a reverse image search and booking through trusted platforms." Clone comparison sites "Some scammers go to great lengths to build fake versions of well-known holiday comparison or airline sites. They look almost identical but are set up purely to steal your payment details. Double-check the web URL and look out for subtle misspellings or unusual domain names," the expert warned. Bogus travel agents "You might get a message from a 'travel expert' offering a last-minute deal that feels too good to ignore. They may even send what looks like a real booking confirmation," the pro explained. "But behind the scenes, there's no flight or hotel reservation. If they insist on a bank transfer or pressure you to book fast, walk away." Social media bargains Siobhan said: "Many scammers use Facebook or Instagram to post holiday deals, but clicking through often leads to fake booking pages or demands for advance payments. They might say 'only two spots left' or 'another family is interested', but this urgency is all part of the scam." Fake GHIC websites "Applying for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) through the NHS website is free, but scam websites sometimes charge a £30 - £40 fee to 'process' your application. These fake sites look professional and often rank high on search results, so it's easy to be fooled," the expert said. How to protect your money Siobhan suggested sticking to trusted sites and companies, paying by credit card for extra protection, and not ignoring warning signs. "If a deal looks unusually cheap for the time of year or destination, slow down and look a bit closer. Check whether the company is part of a recognised travel association like ABTA or ATOL. Even searching the company name with the word 'scam' can bring up useful results," she said. The expert added: "If you think you've been scammed, act fast. Contact your bank straight away - if the payment hasn't gone through yet, they might be able to stop it. If it has, they can talk you through what to do next. It's also important to report the scam to Action Fraud and Citizens Advice, and if the scam came via email, forward it to report@
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Parents close to deadline for GHIC cards warn experts
If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires. Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: 'With schools in the UK breaking up for summer as early as Wednesday June 25, some parents now have just 20 working days left to apply for their Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) to ensure they arrive in time. 'Free to apply for and lasting for up to five years, applying for a GHIC card couldn't be simpler. Visit the NHS website, provide the appropriate details and then wait 24 hours for your application to be approved. All you need to know about the new free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) #MartinLewis — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) January 7, 2021 "It is important to note that each family member requires a GHIC card, so parents will need to complete one for each child. Once approved, your card will be sent to your address and should arrive within 15 working days.' You can apply for a UK GHIC if you're a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply. You'll need to provide your: full name address date of birth National Insurance number Health and Care number (if you're from Northern Ireland) If I have a UK GHIC do I also need travel insurance? UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. You also need travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip. Alicia says: 'While a GHIC card will cover treatment for emergencies, it is not a direct replacement for travel insurance. Having the appropriate travel insurance before your holiday is vital, as there are several things that GHIC doesn't cover, such as medical repatriation or treatment in a private health facility should you need it. 'Wherever you're planning to travel this summer, it's vital to have the right travel insurance in place for you and your family so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.' You should also check FCDO travel advice on for the country you're visiting. Recommended reading: What is a GHIC card, and which countries are covered? 'In the event of a medical emergency, a GHIC card allows travellers to access state healthcare on the same basis as a resident in the country that you are visiting," says Alicia. 'GHIC covers emergency healthcare in any country within the European Economic Area (EEA), and other countries such as Montenegro, Australia and Jersey. "A full list of countries is available on the NHS website.'
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Millions of Brits are forgoing travel insurance but my holiday nightmare shows you need it
My trip to Georgia in the Caucasus was a meant to be a thrill-seeking adventure, but one unfortunate incident sent me seeking medical assistance without being insured 'Do you think we should've gotten health insurance?' It was the first thing my boyfriend turned and said to me after we'd collapsed on our Tblisi hostel bed in a bohemian attic room set beside a classical music hall. I scoffed, irritated: 'Why on earth would I do that?' It didn't mesh with my plans. Like an increasing number of Gen Z travellers, when me and my boyfriend hopped on a flight to the nation of Georgia I was seeking the adventure of a lifetime. The idea had captured my heart: a small nation nestled on the feet of the Caucasus mountains, laying low under the tourist radar, but bursting with Soviet history and one of the world's most varied biospheres. Even better, it was going to be incredibly cheap. Think £5 hostel rooms, efficient budget travel (local marshrutkas breaking the speed limit), and even more affordable wine. The last thing on my mind was forking out extra money over health insurance. Plus, it's not like we were off doing extreme BMXing. I was a 25-year-old in full health. What was really going to happen? Of course, I was neglecting a sage piece of wisdom: things are fine until they aren't. But it didn't matter, I was living in the moment. I'm not the only one, either. According to a recent report by Compare The Market, there has been a stark drop in the number of Brits applying for the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Only 4.6 million people applied for it last year, despite 42 million UK residents making trips abroad in the first six months of 2024 alone. This is despite it being free on the NHS website. The GHIC came into effect after Brexit, as a replacement for the European Health Insurance Card. It allows British citizens to seek necessary state healthcare in European Economic Area countries at the same cost as a resident of that country can. It also applies for other non-EU states like Australia and Switzerland. Travel is booming as an industry, particularly among Gen Z, with 62% having made travel purchases in 2024. But what a lot of travel influencers on TikTok and Instagram don't seem to talk about is travel insurance. Neglecting to buy it could put you in a horrific situation, where you have to choose between your life and potential debt. And I discovered the hard way. Coming from London, where everything is crowded and everything you do feels monitored, Georgia was quite literally a giant breath of fresh air. The bumper-less cars drove with reckless abandon, executing overtakes that belonged in a James Bond movie. In Tbilisi, we descended into underground markets, where fresh cheesy-breads were sold from dim-lit vendors, a legacy of communist black markets. At night, we fell into wine-drunk conversations with other travellers, pontificating over foreign politics. But by far the most amazing thing to me were the dogs. I had never seen anything like it before. I first noticed them, perched up in the hostel window. I was gazing out, supping wine, looking at the cobbled street below, when I saw dogs wandering past. Not unsure or lost, but companionless. After a day in the city, I realised they were everywhere. Dachshunds, Labradors, retrievers, huskies. Everywhere we went, they would be wandering down streets, resting by your feet in cafes. It turned out, in Tbilisi alone, there are about 30,000 stray dogs. In the whole of Georgia, estimates sit between 500,000 to a million. Many of these dogs have been picked up and spayed by charities like Zero Strays Georgia, which was indicated by the different-coloured tags in their ears. Green tags were given to friendly dogs, yellow to those that were calm, while red were for the ones that could snap and bite if you weren't careful. Normally, I never make a habit to pet stray animals, and so watched them admiringly from afar. But when we travelled west to the city of Kutaisi to stay in a guesthouse, we were immediately greeted by an excitable border collie. She bounded down the road at the arrival of new guests, tongue lolling and eyes gleaming. Waiting outside one morning, she rested her head against my hip. Carelessly, I petted her. Then she bit me. It happened in a split second. One moment, I was stroking her head, the next she was leaping up on me, nipping my hand. I looked at the dog again and realised her ear was unchipped. I ran straight to the bathroom to wash it but my heart was pounding. My boyfriend had gone to rent a car that morning and as soon as he returned I told him to take me straight to the hospital. My stomach was sick. On my phone were googled rabies stats for Georgia. According to the UK government website, the country is labelled high risk. Rabies is a zoonotic disease that infects the spinal cord and then brain. It makes you hydrophobic and unable to ingest water. From there, your head becomes a hotpot as the grey matter degenerates. You slowly lose control of your mental faculties. Then you die. There is only a prevention, no cure. So, when an unvaccinated animal bites you in a country labelled high risk for rabies, deciding whether to seek medical treatment is quite literally a gamble with your life. It was one I didn't want to take. When we arrived at the emergency ward, no one spoke any English and I didn't speak Georgian. I mimed the incident, with 'rabies vaccine' typed into Google translate. I signed papers in an alphabet I couldn't read. Luckily, I received the initial shot within a few hours, for a consultation fee and a vaccination fee. I was told to come back for three more shots, two of which I would have to take in the UK. The entire incident set me back about £80 and put a dampener on my holiday as I suffered the vaccine's side effects: nausea, extreme tiredness and headaches. But at least I could afford it and I'm alive.
Metro
29-04-2025
- Business
- Metro
I was fooled by a copycat website – it was the top google result
A nearby property recently put up plans to redevelop from a business to flats, something we're not keen on just a few doors down from our home. As part of our objection I wanted to check our deeds. When we moved we didn't receive them, so I popped on to Google to see if I could get them from the Land Registry. Right at the top of the search results was Land Registry UK. So I clicked on that and was presented with options – the title register and the title plan for £24.95 each, or both for £44.95. Not being sure which one I needed, or if I required both, I thought I'd just read up about them. This next search brought up the website, along with how to get a copy of our deeds – at just £7 per deed. I'd almost fallen for a common hazard of search engines. The first site I visited looked legitimate, and it was called Land Registry UK, which sounds official. I was, after all, wanting to visit the UK Land Registry website. But instead I'd been close to handing over cash to a third party website that would simply have acted as a middleman and charged me for the privilege. It was top of the Google search results because it had paid to be there. A look back at the search results, and the other 'sponsored' listings were HM Land Registry and Land Registry Online, all with similar higher prices. Only below these paid positions do the real – and cheaper – official government webpages appear. It feels like a scam but technically, these and similar sites are not doing anything wrong, since if people want to pay for this service they can. But by choosing URLs that make it appear to be the actual Land Registry, it's obviously set up to get people who don't know what they're looking for, or don't have the time to check the small print on the webpages. It'd be hard to argue that people landing on these websites don't believe it's the official Land Registry service. That's not the only example. If you're going to Europe on holiday or business travel, you'll want to have a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), along with your travel insurance. This card replaced the EHIC after Brexit, but it's vital as it ensures you can get medical treatment at the same cost as a local in those countries. This card is free, and easily available from the NHS website. But there's been a long history of dodgy middlemen promoting websites that would charge £20 to get the card. Now it seems Google has taken action to ban these misleading ads, including similar ones for government services such as passport renewals. But that doesn't mean other websites and social channels won't serve them up. Debt advice is another area rife with copycat websites. Search for the independent and free charities such as StepChange and National Debtline, and the top sponsored results are named along the lines of The Debt Advice Service or National Debt Relief. In the past I've seen some even closer in name, and with websites designed to look like the real thing. Someone clicking these doppelgängers might ultimately have paid for support with their debts, and potentially received the wrong advice. Sadly, the number of these debt relief pretenders forces legitimate sites also to pay to appear in the sponsored section, knowing that many users won't scroll down past the ads – costing money that charities could use to help those in need. More Trending I'm sure there are other services that should be free or relatively cheap which are victims of similar practices. So what can you do about it? Vigilance is key. Pay attention to see if the search results or adverts are labelled 'sponsored'. It could still be the legitimate company you're after, but it's a warning to double check it's not an imitator. Then, if you're being asked to pay for anything that's official, it's worth double, if not triple-checking that you're on the right website, and that a cheaper, if not free, alternative isn't available. View More » Follow award-winning blogger, podcaster and Metro money expert Andy Webb on Instagram and YouTube or visit MORE: Readers discuss Eubank's weigh-in, killer tech and who has the Trump cards MORE: The Metro daily cartoon by Guy Venables MORE: Top 6 items any first-time buyer should have on their shopping list as chosen by our shopping expert
