Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Arranging travel insurance is essential, but did you know that it is also important to carry a GHIC card with you at all times when travelling?
In this guide:
- What is a GHIC?
- Who can apply for a GHIC?
- What does a GHIC entitle you to?
- Why do you need travel insurance as well as a GHIC?
- How do I apply for a GHIC?
What is a GHIC?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a card that allows eligible individuals who are ordinarily and legally resident in the UK to get necessary state healthcare when they are temporarily visiting countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other specific countries.
The GHIC replaced the older European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you had an EHIC, you can continue to use it until it expires, then you’ll need to apply for a GHIC.
GHIC is a free card for eligible UK residents that provides access to necessary state healthcare in certain countries when travelling, on the same terms as local residents, but it is not a substitute for travel insurance.
Who Can Apply for a GHIC?
Individuals who are ordinarily and legally resident in the UK can apply for a GHIC to obtain necessary state healthcare when they are temporarily visiting countries in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Some other specific countries are also covered such as:
- Montenegro
- Australia
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- Isle of Man
- St Helena
- Tristan
- Ascension
For Switzerland, you can use it if you are a British national, Swiss national, EU citizen, refugee, stateless person, or a family member of someone with these nationalities or statuses.
If you have a valid EHIC, you can continue to use it until it expires, then you’ll need to apply for a GHIC.
What Does a GHIC Entitle You To?
When you use a GHIC, you are able to access state healthcare on the same basis as a resident of the country you are visiting. This means the healthcare may be free, or you might have to pay the same amount that a local resident would pay. You will only be covered for state-provided healthcare, not private facilities.
The card covers “medically necessary healthcare,” which is treatment that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK. This includes things like emergency treatment, visits to A&E, routine care for long-term conditions, and routine maternity care (but not if you’re going abroad specifically to give birth).
Whether treatment is medically necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you are visiting.
Why Do You Need Travel Insurance as Well as a GHIC?
It’s important to understand that a GHIC does not replace travel and medical insurance. It does not cover services such as being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation), treatment in private medical facilities, or things like ski or mountain rescue.
It is strongly advised that you have both a GHIC (or EHIC) and travel insurance for your trip. GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance.
How Do I Apply for a GHIC?
The UK GHIC is free to apply for and lasts for up to 5 years.
You should apply through the official NHS website and avoid unofficial websites that might charge a fee.
Click here to visit the official NHS GHIC page (opens in new tab).
In summary, a GHIC is a free card for eligible UK residents that provides access to necessary state healthcare in certain countries when travelling, on the same terms as local residents, but it is not a substitute for travel insurance.
Trusted by Thousands of Travellers
Freedom is one of the very first travel and holiday insurance providers to cover pre-existing conditions, and we’re proud to have helped thousands of people secure the cover they need when traveling to Europe or worldwide. Our policies are designed to respond to medical emergencies abroad.
Operating Since
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Satisfied Customers
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99%
Options for All
99%
Total Peace of Mind
500,000
Satisfied Customers
98%
Operating Since
2002
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FAQs
Some of our most frequently asked questions.
Who is eligible to purchase cover with Freedom Insurance?
Our travel insurance products are available to permanent UK residents who are registered with a GP in the UK. Some of our products can also cover residents of the Channel Islands or Isle of Man. You need to be fit to travel at the time of purchasing travel insurance cover.
Who underwrites your travel insurance policies?
Freedom Insurance Services Ltd offer travel insurance schemes with various A-rated insurers including Allianz Worldwide Partners, Starr International Europe and Accelerant Insurance UK Limited.
Do you have any age limits?
Freedom provides a range of specialist travel insurance schemes, some of which do not operate any upper age limit on Single Trip or Annual Multi-Trip policies. Get a quote online today, or discuss your requirements with our customer care team.
