The free card could help you avoid some hefty fees while on holiday
The NHS has advised people apply for this card before setting off on their travels(Image: Getty)
Brits planning a European getaway this summer are being urged to secure an essential card at least 15 days before departure. This free document grants access to free or reduced-cost healthcare while overseas.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which took over from the widely recognised European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is a must-have for travellers. Although travel insurance remains a key recommendation for those holidaying abroad, the GHIC enables you to access state healthcare services in most European nations.
The NHS website clarifies: “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.”
For those who still possess a valid EHIC, it can be used until its expiry date. Post-expiry, a new GHIC will be required.
Bear in mind that receiving your GHIC via post can take up to 15 days, so it’s wise to apply well ahead of your intended travel dates.
How to apply
Eligibility for a UK GHIC extends to UK residents, and applications can include family members. When applying, be prepared to provide:
- Your full name
- Address
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Health and Care number (for Northern Ireland residents)
Every family member requires their own individual card. You have the option to include your spouse, civil partner, and children in your application at the time of applying.
Firstly, input your personal information before proceeding to request additional cards as instructed. Should you need to append extra family members post-application, get in touch with NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. It’s vital that you provide your reference number, full name, date of birth, and address in order to facilitate access to your records.
Once your application has been submitted, anticipate an email from the NHS within 24 hours, affirming approval status (remember to check your spam folder if no response surfaces). They might request further details or documents prior to giving it the green light.
In cases where you haven’t received your card pre-travel yet require essential medical treatment during your stay, you may request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) for interim coverage.
Where to use your card
The card entitles you to access essential state-provided healthcare during your stint abroad, unable to be postponed until your return to the UK – frequently referred to as “medically necessary healthcare”. Coverage extends to scenarios such as:
- Emergencies and A&E admissions
- Management or standard care for ongoing or pre-existing conditions
- Routine maternity care, as long as you’re not going abroad to give birth
Certain treatments, such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, will need to be pre-arranged with the appropriate healthcare provider in the country you’re visiting. This is due to the fact that local healthcare providers may not always have the capacity to provide these services.
The decision on whether treatment is medically necessary is made by the healthcare provider in the country you’re visiting.
State-provided healthcare isn’t always free outside of the UK. You might have to pay for treatments that are free on the NHS if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you’re visiting.
Before travelling, it’s advisable to research the state-provided healthcare services in the country you’re visiting and any potential charges you might incur.
You can find information on how to access treatment in the country you’re visiting by checking the relevant country guide on GOV.UK..
However, a GHIC (or EHIC) card does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:.
- Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK)
- Treatment in a private medical facility
- Ski or mountain rescue
For this reason, the NHS recommends that you also have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
A UK GHIC can be used when visiting:
- A country in the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Montenegro
- Australia
- Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
- St Helena, Tristan and Ascension
If you’re one of the following, you can use a UK GHIC in Switzerland:
- A British national
- A Swiss national
- An EU citizen
- A refugee
- A stateless person
- A family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses
The UK government is in talks with various countries to broaden the applicability of the UK GHIC, so it’s always wise to verify coverage prior to your journey. For further details, visit the NHS website here.