Planning a trip to Europe or certain other countries? Don’t forget your free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)! It’s an important card that can help you get necessary state healthcare if you suddenly fall ill or have an accident while you’re away.
What is a GHIC and Why Do You Need One?
The GHIC is for UK residents and has replaced the older EHIC. It helps you get state-provided medical care in European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland, just like a resident of that country. This means you might get treatment for free, or you’ll pay the same amount a local resident would. It covers medical emergencies, visits to A&E, and even ongoing treatment for long-term conditions.
Important to remember: The GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It won’t cover things like private medical treatment, being flown back to the UK (repatriation), or lost luggage. Always make sure you have appropriate travel insurance as well.
What Does It Cover?
Your GHIC helps with “medically necessary healthcare.” This is treatment that can’t reasonably wait until you get back home. This includes:
- Emergency medical treatment and A&E visits
- Treatment for pre-existing or long-term medical conditions
- Routine maternity care (unless you’re going abroad specifically to give birth)
Who Can Apply and How?
If you live in the UK, you can apply for a free GHIC. You can also include your spouse, civil partner, and children on your application.
Applying is simple and free! You’ll need:
- Your full name and address
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance number
- Your Health and Care number (if you’re from Northern Ireland)
You can apply for your card up to 9 months before your current card expires, and it’s usually valid for up to 5 years. Once approved, your card should arrive by post within 15 working days. If you need medical care before your card arrives, you can get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) for temporary cover.
To apply or find out more, visit the official NHS website:
Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Make sure you’re prepared before you travel – having your GHIC sorted can give you peace of mind!