What The GHIC Card Offers You When You Travel

GHIC stands for Global Health Insurance Card. Possibly chosen because it would expand to include other countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) post-Brexit. However, the name is misleading as this is not insurance, and it shouldn’t be used as an alternative to a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Where can I use my GHIC Card today?

• Countries in the European Economic Area
• Montenegro
• Australia (where you can claim Medicare
• Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
• St Helena, Tristan and Ascension
• In European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States – Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
• New Zealand for that long-haul trip!
• Gibraltar

Refer to the UK Government website, which provides an up-to-date list.

Do I need a GHIC card?

The GHIC is not mandatory for travel or UK student travel. However, some travel insurance policies may state that you should have one if you’re living in the UK.

While you do not need to have one, a GHIC will give you some degree of certainty, security, and peace of mind. You’ll receive additional protection while you travel, should you need it, such as free or discounted medical care in state-run hospitals.

What is more, GHIC remains free, including delivery, and involves a very simple application process. Once you have applied, you will receive a quick decision and it will be in your hands within two weeks. It seems a no-brainer to have it in your pocket when you travel to any participating country.

Please note: A Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or similar form is used to recover expenses under the NHS reciprocal health agreement with the countries you visit. However, the Channel Islands do not have an agreement with the UK NHS. Therefore, unfortunately, residents of the Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, and Sark) do not qualify for a GHIC Card.

What does it give me?

A GHIC card can cover you when you are in participating countries for:

• emergency treatment, including visits to accident & emergency departments.
• treatment for long-term and pre-existing medical conditions.
• routine medical treatment for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring.
• routine maternity care, as long as there is no intention to give birth while abroad.
• oxygen and kidney dialysis, although this type of treatment may need to be arranged with the healthcare provider before travel.

In short, the GHIC covers state-provided healthcare when you cannot reasonably wait until you are back in the UK to receive it. However, the healthcare provided is at a reduced cost, not necessarily free.

That mention of ‘state-provided’ is very important to note and applies to all existing healthcare cards. Private healthcare is not included. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with healthcare providers and English-speaking medical facilities in the vicinity when you travel.

Of course, if you find yourself in a situation where only private facilities are available, your travel insurance will be invaluable. More about that later.

• Treatment that is not provided in a state hospital. Be aware of this if using a private healthcare setting.
• If you’re going abroad specifically to get treatment neither of these cards will be of any use.
• A GHIC/EHIC is a medical policy. Cancellation, delay, repatriation, baggage loss and theft will not be covered by a GHIC/EHIC.

A travel insurance policy will also not cover you were a suitable public facility can be used instead.

How do I apply for a GHIC?

This part is nice and simple. Navigate to the NHS website, where you can learn more. Then apply for your GHIC card.

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to order a GHIC card before departing.

Check your EHIC is still valid. If not, you’ll have to replace it with a GHIC.

Who can apply?

GHIC cards are available to all UK residents. Each member of your travelling party will need their own – they are issued per individual. Also, parents will need to make applications on behalf of under 16s.

How long does it take to get a GHIC Card?

If you apply today, it will take between 10 – 15 days to obtain a Health insurance card. However, it’s always wise to apply well in advance of your departure date. If you leave home without an in-date GHIC/EHIC for any reason, and require treatment you can apply for a ‘provisional replacement certificate‘ (PRC) for temporary cover.