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Are you and your clients aware of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)? Travelling to and from the EU has changed post-Brexit. However, travelling with a Global Health Insurance Card and suitable travel insurance can provide travellers with peace of mind.
Prior to leaving the EU, UK citizens had the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This has now been replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card.
Although GHIC cards have been available since the UK left the European Union, no healthcare arrangement existed for anyone from the UK to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. This was true if the traveller held either a current EHIC or GHIC. Fast forward to January 1st, 202,4 and this all changed.
The UK Government now has Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements with European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States. These states are Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
However, the UK can still negotiate with more countries to create reciprocal healthcare agreements. The UK Government website provides an up-to-date list, which includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Yes, they can be used before the expiry date. An EHIC Card lasts for five years and over 4 million are due to expire in 2024. So travellers who currently have one need to take note. This will be among the last to be issued before the transition from the EHIC to the GHIC.
Once an EHIC expires, it will need to be replaced with the Global Health Insurance Card.
The Global Health Insurance Card continues to be free for UK residents and UK Nationals who enjoy travelling outside the UK within most of Europe and some other countries.
The card’s name (Global Health Insurance Card) was likely chosen because it can expand to include other countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) post-Brexit.
Where can the Global Health Insurance Card be used today?
The GHIC is not mandatory for travel or UK student travel. However, some travel insurance policies may state that travellers should have one if they’re living in the UK.
While an EHIC or GHIC has never been a necessity, it does provide a degree of certainty, security, and peace of mind when travelling. Additional protection is provided when travelling if needed. This includes discounted medical care in state-run hospitals.
What’s more, a GHIC remains free (including delivery), and involves a simple application process. After applying, each traveller receives a quick decision and the card can pop through the letterbox within two weeks.
A GHIC card provides the following cover in participating countries:
In short, the GHIC covers state-provided healthcare when a traveller cannot reasonably wait until they are back in the UK to receive it. However, the healthcare provided is usually at a reduced cost, not for free.
That mention of state-provided is significant to note and applies to existing EHIC cards. Private healthcare is not included so it is a good idea to review which healthcare providers can be used in the vicinity before leaving home.
On the other hand, if there are only private healthcare facilities nearby, a suitable travel insurance policy will be invaluable.
Applications for GHICs need to be made on the official NHS website. Some unofficial ones ask for payment. These are scam sites and should be ignored. The GHIC is always free to UK residents.
Navigate to the NHS website to apply for a GHIC card but allow plenty of time for it to arrive prior to departure.
Remember, an EHIC can be used any time up to its expiry date. An EHIC card only needs to be replaced with a GHIC when it expires.
EHIC and GHIC cards are available to all UK residents. Each member of the travelling party will need their own as they are issued per individual. Also, parents and guardians have to make applications on behalf of under-16s.
How long does it take to get an EHIC card or a GHIC Card?
It will take between 10 – 15 days to obtain a Global Health Insurance Card (if applied for today). However, it’s always wise to apply well in advance of the departure date.
Leave home without an in-date GHIC/EHIC for any reason and require treatment? Apply for a ‘provisional replacement certificate’ (PRC) for temporary cover.
Travel insurance is still strongly recommended by the government. While the UK EHIC/GHIC will provide healthcare in many scenarios, adequate travel insurance ensures full cover.
For example, the GHIC/EHIC will not cover private healthcare provision. So, if a traveller is taken to a private facility (where a public facility is not viable or available), they would need to foot the bill. In some areas of Europe, especially remote or mountain-based locations (particularly relevant for winter sports enthusiasts), only private facilities may be available.
A travel insurance policy will also not cover treatment at a private facility where a medically capable public facility exists. So, the traveller would need to contact the emergency assistance team on their travel insurance policy before receiving treatment to make sure they’re being treated at the most suitable facility.
What was the link again? Applications can be made on the NHS website.
Remind clients to check the expiry date on their EHIC/GHIC before booking a break. Also, ensure their passport has at least 6 months’ validity left on the day they plan to return from a trip. Making sure of both of the above points will ensure your clients have the freedom to travel, with confidence. For anything else, visit our FAQ page.
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