Find out more about our cruise specific benefits available with Free Spirit and Travel Plus.
Travel Insurance to cover for those people who are travelling solo.
We can cover most pre-existing medical conditions and disabilities.
P J Hayman’s range of travel insurance solutions to cover high risks.
Several of our policies cover a range of activities as standard, find out more here.
We have policies that can provide travel insurance for UK only trips.
When Does Travel Insurance Actually Start A common question we are asked is when should I start my Travel Insurance policy? The answer depends on whether you have a single or annual policy, but you should try to take out insurance as soon as you book your trip...
Longstay & Gap Year Travel Insurance For Extended Trips Longstay & Gap Year Travel Insurance is a specialist policy that is different to standard holiday insurance. It’s a tailored travel insurance policy for long, extended trips. Not only is Longstay &...
Why Do I Need Travel Insurance For A UK Staycation? Jumped on the UK staycation trend for 2026? Holiday Park Operators have shared that summer bookings have jumped by over 30% compared to 2025. This may be due to the increased threat of flight cancellations or delays...
Are you aware of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)? 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.
As your trusted travel guide, we’ll share what we can offer you and more…
An EHIC Card lasts for five years and can be used before its expiry date. Check the expiry date on yours and replace it with the GHIC. The GHIC is still free for UK residents and UK Nationals who enjoy travelling outside the UK within most of Europe and some other countries.
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.
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.
The top 10 places to use your GHIC:
View an up-to-date list where you can use your GHIC. This list includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
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.
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.
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. The GHIC is an important travel document. Apply for yours as soon as you have taken out your travel insurance.
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.
0 Comments