What is a GHIC card – and why it’s not a replacement for travel insurance

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. 

But 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. 

GHIC stands for Global Health Insurance Card, and it replaced the old EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) after Brexit. 

Here’s what it 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. 

Your GHIC can be used for medically necessary treatment during temporary stays in the EU – helping you get the care you need if something unexpected happens on holiday. 

Here’s what it can cover: 

• Emergency treatment: accidents or illness can happen when you least expect them, and the GHIC gives you access to that all-important urgent medical care.  

• Routine maternity care: if you’re pregnant while travelling (but not travelling specifically to give birth), you’ll still be able to access necessary care. 

• Pre-existing medical conditions: treatment for existing conditions is covered, as long as it’s medically necessary during your trip. 

• Dialysis and oxygen therapy: for those who require ongoing support, the GHIC covers this if arranged in advance.  

The GHIC is a helpful back-up for medical care – but if you're looking for full protection for mishaps and medical emergencies, you'll need travel insurance alongside it.

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: 

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

• you’re 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.  

Applying for your GHIC is easy.

You can apply online through the NHS website.

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

The GHIC is currently valid in all EU countries – including popular holiday spots like: 

• France 

• Spain 

• Germany 

• Italy 

• Portugal 

It doesn’t cover non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland – although in some cases, these are still covered by the older EHIC card.  

Tip: always check your destination’s healthcare rules ahead of your trip, just to be safe. 

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 may 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. 

While the GHIC is a useful travel companion for medical needs, it’s not a replacement for travel insurance. Think of them as a dynamic duo, each filling in where the other leaves off. 

• The GHIC covers state-provided healthcare services in EU countries.  

• Travel insurance fills the gaps, covering you for things like: 
  - emergency repatriation 
  - trip cancellations or delays 
  - missed flights 
  - lost baggage 
  - personal liability 

Having both GHIC and travel insurance is the best way to stay protected. 

A GHIC is typically valid for 5 years from the date of issue. To make sure you’re protected: 

• check your GHIC’s expiry date before travelling 

• renew early if it’s about to run out 

• don’t assume your EHIC is still valid – it may no longer be accepted in some destinations 

1. “The GHIC covers everything”  

False. The GHIC only covers public healthcare costs in EU countries, not private clinics or all potential medical expenses abroad.  

2. “I don’t need travel insurance if I have a GHIC”  

False. The GHIC doesn’t protect you for common travel risks like cancellations or lost luggage. The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance is vital if you want a stress-free trip.  

3. “The GHIC works worldwide”  

Not quite. The GHIC only provides access to state healthcare in certain European countries. It doesn’t cover all destinations – so if you’re visiting places like Norway, Switzerland, or others outside the EU scheme, you’ll still need travel insurance. 

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 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’s the best way 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 for UK travellers, with: 

• cover for pre-existing medical conditions 

• no upper age limit 

• unlimited medical expenses on our Comprehensive policies 

• UK-based support if you need help while away 

Whether you're planning a city break or a longer escape, you can travel with confidence knowing you're covered for more than your GHIC alone. 

Get a quote from Staysure today