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If you’re planning to travel to Europe, you probably know you need a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). For most travellers, this has replaced the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). However, if you already have an EHIC and it’s still in-date, you don’t need to replace it until it expires.
What is the GHIC?
The GHIC gives you access to state healthcare throughout the EU. Depending on the country you’re visiting, this can mean at a reduced cost or, in some cases, free. However, you may still need to pay for some services that you’d receive for free on the NHS at home.
The card is available to most UK travellers and it doesn’t cost anything to apply. If you need medical treatment in the EU the GHIC could save you money, and using it can remove the excess for medical claims on your Travel Insurance.
What does the GHIC cover?
The GHIC card gives you access to healthcare throughout the EU for medically necessary treatment. This is any treatment you could not reasonably expect to wait for until you are back in the UK.
This includes visits to A&E or complications relating to a pre-existing condition, but you won’t be covered if you go abroad to seek treatment.
Why you still need Travel Insurance
While a GHIC gives you access to state healthcare, it doesn’t cover all the medical costs you may incur. It also won’t protect you against other losses that Travel Insurance can help with.
The GHIC won’t cover you for:
- the costs of rescue and repatriation (bringing you home after an accident or illness)
- lost or stolen property such as passports, baggage or precious items
- losses from trip cancellation, curtailment and interruption
- extra travel and accommodation costs due to illness
- any medical treatment needed outside of the EU
AllClear Travel Insurance also includes access to a 24/7 emergency assistance team, who can speak to the medical staff wherever you are and help make sure you get the right treatment.
How to apply for a GHIC
The easiest way to apply for a card is via the NHS website. You can also check the Gov.uk website for further information about the GHIC and what it offers travellers.
Some websites charge you to apply for a GHIC, but the card is free, there are no fast tracks, and there’s no advantage to using these sites.
As part of the application, you’ll need to provide your:
- full name
- address
- date of birth
- National Insurance or NHS number (England and Wales)
- CHI number (Scotland)
- Health and Care number (Northern Ireland)
Frequently asked questions
