If you have a Global Health Insurance Card, GHIC, it entitles you to receive state healthcare but not private healthcare while you're visiting another country. The card allows you to receive emergency or essential medical treatment at the same cost as a local resident, meaning you could potentially receive healthcare for free or at a lower cost.
Which countries does the Global Health Insurance Card cover?
Austria – Belgium – Bulgaria – Croatia – Republic of Cyprus – Czech Republic – Denmark – Estonia – Finland – France – Germany – Greece – Hungary – Ireland – Italy – Latvia – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Malta – Netherlands – Poland – Portugal – Romania – Slovakia – Slovenia – Spain – Sweden.
What is the difference between GHIC and UK EHIC?
Both the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) provide access to state-provided healthcare in the European Union at a reduced cost or free of charge.
Prior to Brexit, an EHIC was also valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. However, this has changed, and currently, the GHIC or an existing EHIC can only be used within the EU.
Is it worth getting a Global Health Insurance Card?
When traveling abroad, having a valid GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) can be a crucial safety measure to ensure that you can receive essential medical care in case of an emergency.
However, it's important to note that the GHIC Card should not be considered as a substitute for a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
It's best to have both a Global Health Insurance Card along with travel insurance.
How long does it take for GHIC to arrive?
You can submit your GHIC Card Application through our website for a fast review and submit service.
Once issued, the GHIC typically takes approximately 10 days to arrive.
In case you forget to bring your GHIC card with you or it doesn't arrive before your travel, there's no need to worry. You can still get medical treatment during your trip by applying for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which provides the same coverage as the card until you return home. However, please note that you can only apply for a PRC if the need for medical treatment arises during your visit.