After the UK’s departure from the European Union, one of the important changes for the country was moving away from the EU’s healthcare system. A natural consequence for the UK was to replace the EU’s European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with its own Global Health Insurance Card or GHIC.
Launched in January 2021, the GHIC provides UK nationals with access to free or discounted medical care while travelling across Europe, with slight variations from what the EHIC used to offer. In this article, Insurance Business talks about the UK Global Health Insurance Card and important topics like how to get a GHIC, how it works, the benefits it offers, and more.
The GHIC is a free medical care card for UK residents. Its main purpose is to provide access to essential state-provided healthcare services in the UK and participating EU countries. While this is designed to replace the European Health Insurance Card, this is not a substitute for travel insurance.
The GHIC is the vehicle by which UK citizens obtain what’s termed as their “medically necessary, state-provided healthcare.” The National Health Service (NHS) states that UK citizens can obtain this type of care if they travel to Europe, specifically to an EU member state or certain parts of Switzerland.
What the NHS categorises as “medically necessary healthcare” are treatments and procedures “that cannot reasonably wait until you (the cardholder) can come back to the UK.” Whether a treatment is deemed necessary depends on the healthcare provider in the nation you are visiting. Here are examples of procedures and treatments considered necessary, according to the NHS:
Cardholders can use the GHIC to get state-provided healthcare that they cannot reasonably wait to receive until they return to the UK. This includes:
Keep in mind that cardholders may have to plan treatments with the relevant healthcare provider before their trip to the country they want to visit. It’s advisable to make prior arrangements for treatments for chemotherapy or dialysis, for instance. It’s not always a certainty that healthcare providers in other countries have the same capacity to provide this sort of care.
It’s also important to note that categorising your treatment at “medically necessary” is not dependent on the UK but depends on the healthcare provider of the country the cardholder is visiting.
The UK GHIC or the EHIC (for those who may still have a valid one) should note that these do not cover:
The UK General Health Insurance Card has a considerably wide range of covered medical treatments, but it has its limitations. This card has its uses, but it cannot be used to substitute travel insurance.
Check out our Special Reports section to find out the latest on the best insurance companies and professionals in the UK.
To use the GHIC and its benefits, cardholders must simply present the card to a hospital or healthcare provider when they seek medical treatment. Make sure that you are getting treatment at a public health provider, and not a private one. Keep all the receipts and paperwork of your treatments.
It’s important to note that the Global Health Insurance Card does not guarantee that coverage will be free in every EU country, since each EU member-state implements a different healthcare system. What this means is a medical procedure may be free in one country, but have you pay out of your own pocket in another.
The UK government website gov.UK lists the guides for each EU country and other European countries participating in the GHIC. With these guides, those who have either the GHIC or EHIC can check the sort of medical treatments they can avail of in these locations.
Yes, the UK EHIC remains valid until the card expires, so those who still use this card don’t have to worry about its validity. Usually, an EHIC card lasts for five years from its last renewal date. But once the EHIC expires, those who held this card must apply for a Global Health Insurance Card from then on.
According to the NHS, about 1.8 million EHICs held by UK citizens are set to expire throughout 2025. After these cards expire, travellers must then apply for a GHIC to access healthcare cover when visiting other participating countries or territories.
The eligibility requirements for the UK GHIC are simple. Anyone is entitled to have a UK GHIC if both conditions apply:
Also, you may be eligible for a UK GHIC if you meet at least one of the following criteria:
Eligible individuals should note that if their circumstances change such that they no longer meet one of the above criteria, they may not be allowed to continue using the card. They must also contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
There are different territories and countries where the GHIC holders can avail themselves of the necessary medical care. In the European Union, these countries are listed in the table below.
You can also find the links to each nation’s European Commission website, detailing how you can use your GHIC to get medical care and treatment there:
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GLOBAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (GHIC) COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY GUIDE |
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As for countries in the European Economic Area, GHIC holders can obtain healthcare in these countries:
Note that the inclusion of these EEA countries is due to a reciprocal agreement that was enacted in January 2024, but UK travellers are advised to check current guidance as the requirements may change. Availing of GHIC benefits in these countries may require presenting a UK passport or additional documents.
Other territories and countries apart from the EU and EAA members where the GHIC is honoured include:
The process for getting a GHIC is simple and straightforward. All you must do is follow these steps:
Check the eligibility requirements for the GHIC in the previous sections. Remember, the minimum requirements are for you to be UK resident or eligible for the NHS. You may also include eligible family members living with you in your application.
Prepare the following personal information for your application:
Once you have the required information, go online to the official NHS website and submit your application to their portal. If you live at a BFPO address, choose the option to “enter address manually” then follow the specific instructions for military personnel.
This is an optional step; you can include your spouse, common-law partner or children below the age of 16 in the same application.
Check all your information for accuracy then click on submit/send your application.
You should receive an email from the NHS, confirming your application. If more information is needed or the NHS requires clarification about your information, you may also receive an email enquiry.
If your application is approved, you should receive your GHIC in the mail. You can expect approval and process of your application after 15 days.
The NHS advises that you do not use any portal apart from the official website to apply. The GHIC is free, and unofficial websites may charge you a fee. As for UK residents studying abroad, you cannot apply online. Instead, you must email the GHIC EHIC Customer Support Team at the email address listed on its website.
Should you require emergency medical treatment in another country and don’t have your GHIC (or EHIC) with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which provides temporary cover.
You can apply for a PRC through the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You will be asked for the same information that was required for your GHIC application. If you are unable to procure the PRC yourself, someone else can do it on your behalf.
No, the card is not valid in the US. While it’s called a “Global” card, it is limited to EU countries, EAA members, and several non-EU countries. The non-EU or non-EAA countries may have different requirements for using the GHIC there, but this typically entails presenting your British passport. The EHIC is not valid in the US either.
Yes, but only for those who do not live in the UK. The EHIC and the UK GHIC are not valid in your country of residence, as these are meant to be used for availing of state-provided healthcare outside the UK. If you need medical care while in the UK, you get free medical treatment from the NHS.
If you want to learn more about healthcare in the UK and other countries, read our global guide on health insurance.
Yes, if you are eligible for it, you should get the GHIC. Surprisingly, not many Britons are aware of this useful state-provided healthcare plan, and how it benefits them. While it is not mandatory to do so, some insurance companies may make it a prerequisite if you plan to purchase a travel insurance policy from them.
Bear in mind that the GHIC is not nor should it be used as a replacement for travel insurance, which is becoming increasingly more flexible and customisable for different British travellers. Since this is a free healthcare program, it can supplement your travel and health insurance plans as you study, work, or holiday abroad.
Has this article made you rethink your view on the Global Health Insurance Card? Don’t forget to look up travel insurance companies with IB markets when you go abroad
