In January 2021, the UK government launched a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to replace the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which became obsolete after Brexit.
Like its predecessor, the GHIC entitles UK citizens to free emergency medical treatment in any EU country or Switzerland (but not including Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein).
It's free to apply for a GHIC, and they last for five years so even if you don't have any immediate plans to travel to Europe it's still worth registering for one.
What the GHIC covers
The GHIC automatically entitles you to emergency state healthcare if you're visiting an EU country. This means you'd get the same level of care and treatment that's available to citizens of that country, including:
- Prescription medication (excluding over the counter medication such as painkillers)
- Emergency dental care
- GP / doctor consultations, provided they are part of the national healthcare system in that country
- Ambulance journeys, provided they are part of the national healthcare system in that country
- Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, provided you are treated in a public hospital or clinic that is part of the national healthcare system in that country
- Basic maternity care if you are pregnant or have an unplanned birth
It's important to note that in some countries you may be charged a fee for these services similar to the residents of that country. You may also be asked to pay for treatment upfront and apply for reimbursement later on.
What the GHIC does not cover
The GHIC is intended to provide emergency treatment and care in state-run healthcare systems; it is not a replacement for Travel Insurance so you should still take out adequate cover even if you have a card.
In particular, GHIC will not cover:
- Medical treatment in private healthcare facilities and clinics
- Any costs relating to your trip being interrupted, cut-short or cancelled
- Planned medical treatment
- Planned births
- Plastic or cosmetic surgery
Which countries accept the GHIC?
You can use a GHIC in any EU country, plus Switzerland.
The current full list of countries is:
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, Switzerland, Sweden
The UK government have announced that more European countries may be added to this list in future.
How to apply for a GHIC
All UK citizens who are registered with the NHS are eligible for a free GHIC. You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.
You'll need your National Insurance number and you may also be asked for your NHS number if you live in England or Wales (or your CHI number if you live in Scotland or your Health and Care number if you live in Northern Ireland).
Summary
If you're travelling to an EU country you should always carry a GHIC because it could help you to access free emergency healthcare.
- The GHIC lasts for five years and it's free, so don't pay for one
- Each member of your party should have their own card, including children
- GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance so make sure you still get adequate cover.