GHIC

GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) could provide vital peace of mind when travelling overseas to any EU (European Union) country or Switzerland. A to Z Insurance have provided a simple and easy guide for travellers to help you understand more about the GHIC and how you can apply for one before your trip.

What is a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?

A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free medical card that gives you access to state healthcare in EU (European Union) countries or Switzerland at the same price as citizens of that country.

What is the difference between a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?

In January 2021 a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) became available, offering similar benefits to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme. You can apply for one once your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has expired.

Will I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC?

Most certainly yes! A GHIC will contribute towards all or some of your emergency medical costs. However, it will not cover you to be repatriated back to the UK which is a very important benefit of a travel insurance policy. Many other events are also covered through a travel insurance policy such as:

• Cancellation of your trip or having to cut this short unexpectedly
• Lost luggage or loss of passport/personal money whilst you're away
• Providing emergency treatment whilst travelling on a cruise ship or mountain rescue on a ski-trip if you are injured

The EHIC or latest GHIC has only ever covered emergency and necessary healthcare costs, so it is always recommended that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy when you travel abroad.

How do I use my GHIC?

You can use your card to access medically necessary treatment in an EU country or Switzerland. The NHS website provides some examples of medically necessary healthcare which may include:

• Emergency treatment and visits to A&E
• Oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis
• Routine maternity care, as long as you’re not going abroad to give birth

Not all state healthcare is free within the EU and Switzerland, which means you may have to pay for services that you would get for free on the NHS.

What happens if I lose my GHIC or EHIC whilst on holiday or have forgotten to take it away with me?

If you need access to treatment whilst away and do not have your card with you, all is not lost, as you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement. This will enable you to get the same cover as a GHIC whilst on your trip.

You will need to contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services by calling +44 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm). What’s also good to know is that you or a travelling companion can do this on your behalf if you are unwell.

When calling for a PRC the following information will be required:

• National Insurance number
• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• Name of the treatment facility
• Email address for the specific department of the organisation providing your treatment

Is the GHIC card free and how do I apply?

Absolutely yes! The GHIC card is only free of charge through the NHS website so make sure you do not use any websites that ask for payment. Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Where can I use my GHIC or EHIC card?

You will be able to use a GHIC or existing EHIC card while visiting:

• EU Country
• Switzerland (only UK nationals, Swiss nationals and EU citizens)

Please note you can only use a GHIC in Switzerland if you’re a UK national, a Swiss national, a citizen of an EU Member State, a refugee, a stateless person, or a family member, dependent or survivor of someone who holds one of these nationalities statuses.

Please note you may be asked to provide proof of nationality or your status when using your GHIC in Switzerland.

See our policy wording for full information on cover we provide at A to Z Insurance.