GHIC Card Explained: What It Covers, How Long It Lasts & How to Apply

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free card that lets UK residents get medically necessary, state-provided healthcare in EU countries and some other countries, at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Travelling to and from the EU changed post-Brexit, leaving us to swap our EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for a GHIC. However, travelling with a GHIC and suitable travel insurance can provide us with peace of mind when travelling across the EU and around the globe. In this guide, we explain what a GHIC card covers, where you can use it, how long it lasts, how to apply for free and why you still need travel insurance.

What is a GHIC Card?

Before leaving the EU, UK citizens used the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The Global Health Insurance Card has now replaced this. The GHIC still covers state-provided healthcare costs in EU countries at a reduced rate (not for free), as well as more countries around the globe. 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.

What is the difference between an EHIC and a GHIC?

The EHIC was first available in 2004. GHIC cards then replaced the EHIC, post Brexit in January 2021. They both cover state-provided healthcare when you’re abroad. Your healthcare costs are then charged at a reduced cost. Today, the UK Government continues to negotiate Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements with countries around the globe to provide us with more places to use one.

What Does a GHIC Card Cover?

A GHIC card provides the following cover in participating countries:

• Emergency treatment, including visits to accident and emergency departments
• Treatment for long-term and pre-existing medical conditions.
• Routine medical treatment for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring.
• Routine maternity care, as long as there is no intention to give birth while abroad.
• Oxygen and kidney dialysis, although this type of treatment may need to be arranged with the healthcare provider before travel.

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.

What won’t a GHIC or EHIC cover?

• Treatment that is not provided in a state hospital. Be aware of this if using a private healthcare setting.
• If someone is travelling with the intention of getting medical treatment, neither of these cards will be applicable.
• A GHIC/EHIC is a medical policy. Cancellation, delay, repatriation, baggage loss and theft will not be covered by a GHIC/EHIC.

A GHIC/EHIC is not an insurance policy. Cancellation, delay, repatriation to the UK, mountain rescue, baggage loss and theft will not be covered by a GHIC/EHIC.

What countries does a GHIC Card cover?

You can use your GHIC in all EU countries. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to use it, or get reduced-cost healthcare under a separate agreement, in some other countries. Always check the official NHS list before you travel. Use a UK GHIC 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

How long does a GHIC Card last?

A GHIC card is normally valid for up to five years, and the expiry date is printed on the front of the card. You can apply to renew it free of charge on the NHS website before it expires. An EHIC card also lasts for five years and can be used up to its expiry date. Check the expiry date on yours and replace it with the GHIC when it runs out. The GHIC is still free for UK residents. Please note: You can apply for a new GHIC up to nine months before your current card runs out.

How to apply for a GHIC Card for Free

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.

Who can apply for a GHIC?

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 for a GHIC card to arrive?

It usually takes between 10 – 15 days for a GHIC Card to arrive after you apply. However, it’s always wise to apply well in advance of the departure date. The GHIC is an important travel document. Apply for yours as soon as you have taken out your travel insurance.

What if I travel without my GHIC Card?

If you leave home without an in-date GHIC/EHIC for any reason and require treatment apply for a ‘provisional replacement certificate’ (PRC) for temporary cover.

Do I need a GHIC card?

No, you don’t legally need a GHIC to travel. However, some travel insurance policies may require you to carry a GHIC, and using it can reduce the cost of a medical claim.

GHIC vs Travel Insurance: Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC?

Yes. A GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. 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. P J Hayman’s Travel Plus policy is designed to work alongside your GHIC, and if you have a pre-existing medical condition, Free Spirit can cover most conditions and disabilities, with no upper age limit for most destinations. What was the link again? Applications can be made on the NHS website.

Travel, with confidence with a GHIC and the Right Travel Insurance

Check the expiry date on your EHIC/GHIC before booking a break. Also, ensure your passport has enough validity left for your destination’s entry rules. Making sure of both of the above points will ensure you have the freedom to travel, with confidence. For anything else visit our FAQ page.