GHIC For UK travellers
There are a few important things you should always make sure you have with you before you travel – a passport, foreign currency, credit/debit cards, travel insurance and, if you’re travelling within the EU- a health insurance card. The previous European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is now being phased out in the UK and replaced by the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.
What carrying the GHIC entitles you to
The truth is that many British citizens believe that carrying this little card eliminates the need to take out separate travel insurance. This is where you begin to risk your safety while abroad.
An explanation of the validity of the GHIC on the government website states: “An GHIC lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.” However, it should be noted different rules apply for Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – please refer to the government website for full details
Whilst this means you are entitled to healthcare while travelling within the EU should you need it, you are only entitled to healthcare on the same level as locals in the country.
What it won’t cover
What the GHIC won’t actually do however, is cover the costs of expensive medical procedures. Or repatriation when you need to be taken back to your home country.
When it comes to taking out travel insurance you need to ensure you are as truthful as possible with your insurance provider. With regard to answering any questions asked – Failing to disclose an existing medical condition, any medication you take or any previous illnesses/injuries could leave you without adequate medical insurance cover and could lead to your policy being treated as if it never existed . Without correct travel insurance you will have to foot the cost of the bill yourself, and it can end up being very costly.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you’re planning on getting involved in any extreme sports while you’re away. Many travel insurance providers will have dedicated sections to complete for activities such as scuba diving and other popular sports – or some won’t cover these activities at all – make sure to read the small print.
GHIC is Free
Global Health Insurance Cards are free of cost to UK citizens. However, third party websites – which often appear at the top of search results pages – charge for a card which could be obtained for free from the National Health Service. The unofficial sites often look like genuine government websites, and the National Trading Standards team advise getting genuine GHICs through the official NHS website.
You also don’t need to apply for a GHIC until your current EHIC expires, but scammers may try suggest your card is not valid within the final months, so be extra cautious of scammers pressing you to pay for a new health insurance card.
You should also report scam adverts that may appear online. You can do this by visiting the Advertising Standard Authority’s website and complete a quick reporting form.
Finally, you should not give out your personal or financial information to services you do not recognise or are expecting to be contacted by.
How to apply
You can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.
You’ll need to provide your:
Full name
Address
Date of birth
National Insurance or NHS number (England and Wales)
CHI number (Scotland)
Health and Care number (Northern Ireland)
GHIC doesn’t replace travel insurance.
If you’re worried that you aren’t prepared for your trip abroad, go to the Foreign Office ‘Travel Aware‘ page to find out all you need to know about staying safe and healthy abroad.