UK GHIC Card Application

A GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), also known as a GHIC Card, is a UK government-issued healthcare card that gives you access to state-provided healthcare during your travels and temporary stays in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

It was previously known as EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for UK residents but has now become GHIC for UK residents due to the UK's departure from the EU (Brexit).

The GHIC card allows UK residents to get access to necessary medical healthcare while traveling in these countries, from emergency treatments to treatments for pre-existing conditions, at the same cost as a resident of that country. For example, if the country you are visiting provides free healthcare, then as a GHIC cardholder you too will qualify for the same free healthcare service. Similarly, if the country charges a fee for healthcare, then as a GHIC cardholder you will be charged the same rate as a resident of the country, not more.

The GHIC covers necessary healthcare including visits to A&E and emergency treatment, routine medical care for conditions that require monitoring, treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, routine maternity care, and oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis.

UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

GHIC card holders should be entitled to the same treatment benefits as that of residents of the country. But not all countries offer free healthcare though, some require patients to pay a certain percentage of the treatment cost. Therefore, if a GHIC cardholder gets treatment in these countries, then they are also required to pay the same charges as residents of that country.

It is important to note that the Global Health Insurance Card should not be considered as equivalent to travel insurance. For example, your GHIC does not cover private healthcare costs or lost property and it is not valid for use on cruise trips. It is therefore still advisable for you to have both a GHIC card and travel insurance when travelling, especially since many insurance companies waive the excess charges if you do.

Having both a GHIC card and travel insurance will help your trip go smoothly and any accidents are well accounted for.

A GHIC can be obtained from any country that is part of the EEA. Eligibility, application and renewal processes will differ from country to country, so it is best to check them beforehand.

Applying for a UK GHIC Card

The GHIC is not based on nationality but on residency. This means that you are automatically entitled to a GHIC as long as you have proof of EEA residency.

If you have already been issued a GHIC in a specific country then you cannot get another one in another country. It should also be noted that anyone entitled to or is already a holder of a GHIC can lose their privileges when they move to or start working in a non-EEA country.

It's important to note that while the GHIC provides access to medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays in qualifying countries, it does not cover private medical treatment or the cost of being flown back to the UK. Also, the rules and availability of state-provided healthcare can vary between countries, so it's a good idea to check the specific requirements and regulations for the country you're visiting before you travel.

Where Your UK GHIC Card is Valid

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is accepted in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. The EU and EEA countries that accept the GHIC are:

Austria – Belgium – Bulgaria – Croatia – Cyprus – Czech Republic – Denmark

Estonia – Finland – France – Germany – Greece – Hungary – Ireland

Italy – Latvia – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Malta – Netherlands

Poland – Portugal – Romania – Slovakia – Slovenia – Spain – Sweden – Switzerland

Apply, Replace or Renew Your UK GHIC Card Today!