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What is a GHIC card?
A GHIC card entitles UK travellers to the same access to healthcare as the residents of the country you’re visiting, in all EU countries
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Europe remains the destination of choice for UK holidaymakers, accounting for 79 per cent of all overseas trips they made in 2022. Figures from the Office for National Statistics also reveal that the top five countries visited were Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal.
All five are EU members and the UK’s decision to leave the European Union has changed the landscape in terms of healthcare provision for travellers. Gone is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and in its place is the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). But what exactly is the difference between EHIC and GHIC? Read on to find out.
What is a GHIC card?
A Global Health Insurance Card gives travellers from the UK access to healthcare at government-run hospitals and clinics while visiting Europe. It was introduced to replace the European Health Insurance Card after Brexit, when the UK voted to leave the European Union.
What does a GHIC card cover?
A GHIC card gives you the same access to healthcare as local residents in the country you are visiting. This varies from nation to nation but typically includes emergency hospital treatment and GP visits. Some Government-run medical providers in Europe charge fees for treatments that you would normally receive free on the NHS and you also won’t be able to claim any costs back unless you have travel insurance.
Do I need a GHIC card?
You are not legally required to have a GHIC card to visit Europe but it is important to have one for you trip . If you still have one of the old EHIC cards, you can continue to use it until it expires.
GHIC card or travel insurance?
A GHIC card is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. It does not cover the cost of emergency repatriation back to the UK, lost or stolen belongings, flight delays, holiday cancellation or hire car insurance.
It is recommended to still take out travel insurance, even if you are travelling to Europe with a GHIC. The Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service, provided by AllClear, can offer you a quote for comprehensive cover for your trip to Europe.
How to apply for a GHIC card
You can apply for a GHIC card on the NHS website. You will need to enter some personal details, including your National Insurance number and NHS number if you have one. You can also apply for a GHIC card for other members of your family. They are free of charge to most UK residents, so beware of unofficial websites trying to charge an application or processing fee.
FAQS
What countries are covered by a GHIC card?
GHIC cards work in all 27 EU countries. They are:
If you’re travelling to Switzerland, be aware you can only use a GHIC card if you’re a UK citizen.
How long does it take to get a GHIC card?
It can take 10-14 days for GHIC card applications to be processed, so make sure you apply for yours at least a month before you plan to travel to allow plenty of time for unexpected delays.
What is the difference between GHIC and EHIC cards?
There is almost no difference between GHIC and EHIC cards. Both offer cover for medical treatment at state-run hospitals and GPs in EU countries, however GHIC cards do not provide cover in four countries that used to be covered by EHIC – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (UK citizens only).
Buy travel insurance for Europe today
Wherever you are travelling in Europe, consider taking out a comprehensive travel insurance policy through Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Services. Provided by AllClear, your policy will cover over 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions and Covid-19 claims, so you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing you will be covered if the unexpected happens.
Get a quote today via the Telegraph Media Group Travel Insurance Service today
Read more:
- When should I book travel insurance?
- Why you need cruise travel insurance before you set sail
- How to find the best travel insurance for diabetics
- What travel insurance do I need for Australia?
Telegraph Media Group Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of AllClear Insurance Services Limited, a company that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The above article was created for Telegraph Financial Solutions, a trading name of The Telegraph Media Group. For more information on Telegraph Financial Solutions click here.