Everything you need to know about the GHIC

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) helps UK travellers access state healthcare in EU countries if they become ill or need treatment. But it doesn’t cover all costs, such as trip cancellations or lost belongings.  

 

Planning a trip to Europe? Your GHIC – the Global Health Insurance Card – is one thing you won’t want to forget. It gives you access to state healthcare in EU countries, so if you fall ill or need treatment while you’re away, you won’t be left facing unexpected medical bills.   
 

While it’s a really useful card to have, it doesn’t cover everything. It won’t help with things like cancellations, repatriation or lost belongings – that’s where travel insurance comes in.   

 

So, where do you get a GHIC card? How do you know if yours is valid and what do these cards do? In this guide we’ll cover: 

 

• What is a GHIC – it's the new, post-Brexit version of the EHIC  

• Where you can use a GHIC – Europe and a few countries outside of Europe 

• Do you still need travel insurance when you have a GHIC – a GHIC can only be used for medical care, while travel insurance includes extra cover for cancellations, lost luggage and repatriation, which the GHIC doesn’t 

• How to apply for a GHIC – it's really easy and it’s free via the NHS website 

What is the GHIC and why is it important? 

It’s a free NHS card that lets UK travellers access state healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as locals.

 

Is GHIC a replacement for EHIC? 

Yes. EHICs are being replaced, but existing ones are valid until they expire. 

 

Does GHIC replace travel insurance? 

It only covers medical treatment, not things like cancellations or repatriation. 

 

Which countries does GHIC cover? 

Most EU countries plus some others like Norway, Switzerland (in some cases), Iceland, and more. 

GHIC is the new health insurance card for UK travellers. It’s a replacement for the EHIC which was available pre-Brexit. If you already have an EHIC, you can keep using it until it expires. You can find the expiry date on the bottom right-hand corner of your card. 

 

The GHIC allows you to access state-provided medical treatment at the same cost as a local resident in EU countries – so, if locals get free treatment, UK travellers often will as well. 

 

Here’s what a GHIC means for you: 

 

• It’s completely free and issued by the NHS  

• It lets you use public healthcare services in most EU countries  

• You’ll be treated just like a local resident  

• It doesn’t cover private care or getting you back to the UK  

• And it’s not a replacement for travel insurance  

 

Put simply, the GHIC can help reduce medical costs if something goes wrong on your trip – but it only goes so far.

Most UK residents can apply for a GHIC, including if: 

 

• you’re normally a legal UK resident   

• you don’t have healthcare cover from an EEA country or Switzerland 

 

You may also be eligible if you’re:  

 

• an EU, EEA or Swiss national living in the UK   

• a UK national studying or working in the EU  

 

You can learn more about GHIC eligibility requirements on the NHS GHIC information page.   

  

Tip: watch out for unofficial websites that charge to process your application. The GHIC is free, and applying directly through the NHS is the safest way to get the genuine card without hidden costs.   

Despite its name, the GHIC is not accepted for Global healthcare, but you will get reduced cost or free state healthcare in 27 EU countries.  

 

The EU countries covered by the GHIC are: 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 and Sweden. 

Although Switzerland isn’t in the EU, you can use your GHIC (or EHIC) if you’re a British National or an EU citizen.

Since 2024, the GHIC is valid in Norway. But Norway’s healthcare isn’t free, so you’ll likely be expected to make a contribution to your treatment. 

You can’t use a GHIC or EHIC to access free healthcare in Iceland or Liechtenstein. You’ll need to take out travel insurance with health cover, just as you would when travelling outside of the EU.

Although Switzerland is not in the EU, you can still use your GHIC or EHIC in Switzerland if you are a British National or an EU citizen. You will be able to get state-provided healthcare if medically necessary at a reduced cost (or sometimes for free).

If you feel unwell while you’re on holiday in the EU, there are several ways to make use of your GHIC.   

 

• Show it at a public hospital or health centre – it won’t be accepted at private clinics.  

• Show it when checking in or registering for treatment.  

• Remember to keep it with you while out and about – emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s best to keep it handy.  

 

You might be asked to fill out some paperwork or show identification – so keep your passport and any travel documents to hand as well. Each country has its own process, so check ahead if you’re not sure what to expect. 

Having both a GHIC and travel insurance is the best way to stay protected. This is because the GHIC helps you in a medical situation, but travel insurance also includes repatriation, lost luggage, cancellations, etc.  

 

The gov.uk website recommends all UK travellers take out appropriate travel insurance when travelling abroad.  

  

Even with travel insurance, some policies will insist that you have a valid GHIC to provide cover or waiver the excess on your policy if you have one. 

Yes, you can still get medical care without a GHIC but it could cost you more and be less straightforward. 

 

You might be asked to pay upfront and claim your money back later, and without a GHIC you’re more likely to be charged the full cost rather than a reduced local rate. 

 

If you don’t have a GHIC and you need medical treatment, it might be possible to arrange a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which temporarily proves your entitlement to treatment. Either you or the hospital will need to contact the NHS to arrange it. 

Applying for a GHIC is easy. Simply visit the NHS website and fill out the form. 

  

Just follow the steps, provide your details, and allow enough time for it to arrive by post before you travel. 

Once your application has been approved (you’ll usually receive an email from the NHS within 24 hours of applying), you should receive your new card within 15 working days. 

 

The GHIC isn’t available digitally, so you’ll receive your card in the post. Once you have it, the card it usually valid for 5 years. 

Before packing your bags for the EU, make sure you’re prepared by taking the following steps. 

 

• Apply for your GHIC early to avoid last-minute stress  

• Double-check your destination's rules on GHIC usage   

• Carry both your GHIC and travel insurance for complete peace of mind   

• Print or photograph your GHIC as a backup in case your physical card is misplaced 

• Your whole family will need a GHIC card: Each family member will need their own GHIC. You can add family members who live with you onto your application when you apply.  

 

Your GHIC is a great addition to your travel kit – just make sure it’s paired with travel insurance to help you feel fully protected. It helps to protect yourself from unexpected costs and disruptions abroad. 

While your GHIC helps you access public medical care abroad, it doesn’t cover everything – like cancellations, repatriation, or lost belongings. That’s where Staysure comes in.  

  

We specialise in travel insurance with:  

 

• cover for pre-existing medical conditions  

• cover for all ages 

• unlimited medical expenses on our Comprehensive and Signature policies

You’ve got dreams to fulfil and adventures to chase. We're experts in covering pre-existing medical conditions, so you can relax when you travel with Staysure by your side. Get your quote now.