UK Travellers Urged to Apply for GHIC Card 15 Days Before European Getaway

UK residents planning a summer holiday in Europe are being urged to apply for a key document—the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)—at least 15 days before they travel. This important card allows travellers to access public healthcare services in many European countries either for free or at a reduced cost.

The GHIC has replaced the previous European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which had been in use since 2004. While it’s still important to take out travel insurance when going abroad, the GHIC ensures that you can access necessary medical care under the same conditions as residents in the country you’re visiting.

According to the NHS, “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.” If you still have a valid EHIC, you can use it until it expires, but after that, a GHIC will be required as its replacement.

Because delivery of the GHIC by mail can take up to 15 days, travellers are encouraged to apply well in advance of their planned departure.

How to Apply

UK residents are eligible for the GHIC, and you can include your family members in the application. Each individual, including children, needs their own card. When applying, you’ll need to provide:

• Full name

• Address

• Date of birth

• National Insurance number

• Health and Care number (for Northern Ireland residents)

You’ll first need to enter your own information, and then you’ll be given the option to add family members like your spouse or children. If you need to add family members after submitting your application, you must contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You’ll need to give them your application reference number, full name, date of birth, and address so they can find your records.

Once your application is submitted, you should receive a confirmation email from the NHS within 24 hours. Be sure to check your spam folder if it doesn’t appear. In some cases, the NHS may ask for additional documents to process your application.

If your GHIC hasn’t arrived in time and you need medical attention while abroad, you can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to provide temporary coverage.

What the GHIC Covers

The GHIC provides access to state healthcare during your stay for treatments that are medically necessary and can’t wait until you return to the UK. These include:

• Emergency treatment and visits to A&E

• Ongoing management of chronic or pre-existing conditions

• Routine antenatal care (note: giving birth should not be the main reason for your trip)

Some treatments, such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, must be arranged in advance with the local healthcare provider in the country you are visiting. This is because such services may not always be available on demand.

Healthcare providers in the country you are visiting will determine what qualifies as “medically necessary treatment.”

It’s also important to note that not all healthcare abroad is free. You may be required to contribute to the cost of treatment if that’s what local residents are expected to do. It is advisable to research the healthcare system and any associated costs in your destination country before travelling. GOV.UK offers a country-by-country guide with this information.

What the GHIC Does Not Cover

While the GHIC is a valuable resource, it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. It does not cover:

• Medical repatriation to the UK

• Private medical treatment

• Costs related to ski or mountain rescue

• Any non-state healthcare services

For this reason, the NHS strongly recommends taking out travel and medical insurance before going abroad.

Where You Can Use the GHIC

The UK GHIC is accepted in:

• All European Economic Area (EEA) countries

• Montenegro

• Australia

• Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man

• St Helena, Tristan da Cunha, and Ascension

Additionally, the GHIC can be used in Switzerland if you fall under one of the following categories:

• British nationals

• Swiss nationals

• EU citizens

• Refugees or stateless persons

• Family members of anyone who fits into the categories above

In conclusion, while a GHIC is an essential tool for ensuring access to healthcare while abroad, it should always be used in combination with a travel insurance policy for full protection. Be sure to apply early, understand what your card covers, and prepare adequately for your trip.