Travelling to Europe this year? Here’s why you need a GHIC card

If you’re planning a trip around Europe this year, Nick Daws recommends bringing a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) with you.

Planning a European getaway this year? Along with your tickets and passport, there’s one other essential item to arrange and take with you: a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). 

If you’re unfamiliar with the GHIC or how it differs from the previous European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), don’t fret. This article will cover everything you need to know, from how to apply to why it’s so important for your travels.

What is a GHIC?

The GHIC card allows UK citizens to access state-provided healthcare in EU countries at a reduced cost or, in some cases, for free. It’s essentially the post-Brexit replacement for the EHIC card, which provided similar benefits. 

Like the EHIC, the GHIC is also valid in some non-EU countries, including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. It’s also valid in Australia, and negotiations are ongoing to extend it to other countries as well.

The GHIC ensures that you’ll receive medically necessary treatment while visiting a qualifying country, allowing you to continue your trip or return home safely. This includes care for chronic or pre-existing medical conditions and routine maternity care, so long as the reason for your visit isn’t specifically to give birth.

• If you have an EHIC which is still valid you can continue using this for now, but if it has expired you will need to replace it with a GHIC.

How to apply for a GHIC

The application process for a GHIC card is simple and entirely free of charge. Beware of third-party websites that may charge unnecessary fees to process your application. Here’s how you can get your GHIC:

• Visit the official NHS website.

• Fill in the online application form. You’ll need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance or NHS number.

• Submit your application and wait for your card to arrive by post.

It usually takes up to 10 working days to receive your GHIC, so ensure you apply well in advance of your trip.

What are the benefits of a GHIC?

Having a GHIC can be a lifesaver if you encounter a medical emergency while abroad. The card entitles you to:

• state-provided healthcare on the same terms as residents of the country you’re visiting

• emergency care, such as treatment for injuries or sudden illnesses

• care for chronic or ongoing medical conditions that may flare up during your visit

It’s important to note, however, that the GHIC does not cover:

• private healthcare

• medical repatriation

• costs of treatment in most countries outside the EU

• non-essential procedures or treatments that can wait until you return home

Why you still need travel insurance

While the GHIC is an excellent safety net, it’s not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. 

A GHIC will only cover healthcare costs under the local state system, which may still involve charges depending on the country’s rules. For example, you might need to pay for hospital stays or medication upfront, even with a GHIC.

Travel insurance, on the other hand, provides broader coverage, including:

• private medical care

• medical repatriation if you need to be transported back to the UK for treatment

• non-health-related emergencies, such as lost luggage or trip cancellations

To ensure you’re fully protected, consider a travel insurance policy that complements the GHIC. Look for one that includes medical expenses and covers scenarios that the GHIC doesn’t.

Closing thoughts

Whether you’re exploring the historic streets of Rome, lounging on a Spanish beach or skiing in the Alps, having a GHIC card in your travel kit is a must. 

It’s a simple and cost-free way to ensure you’ll receive essential medical care if the unexpected happens. Just remember: it’s not a substitute for travel insurance, so don’t leave home without both.

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this article, please do leave them below. 

Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

Photo credits: Pexels