For British citizens who are traveling in Europe, getting the correct health insurance while overseas is vital. That is where EHIC and GHIC cards step in. These cards will allow you to access required healthcare during your temporary visits to EU nations. If you're vacationing, studying, or going in for work, it is important to know about the European Health Insurance Card and the Global Health Insurance Card UK for your security, safety, and finances.
In this in-depth guide, we will discuss EHIC eligibility, describe the application for a GHIC, and discuss the most important EHIC vs GHIC differences. If you have questions about whether you need the card, how to apply, or what it will cover, this blog will lay it all out simply and easily.
The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) are cards that UK residents carry with them to get medical care while traveling in some countries. Through these cards, you can get treated in public healthcare systems at the same price as locals, free or discount.
The EHIC had been part of the EU program, under which citizens of the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland could receive emergency and timely medical treatment on short visits to the other member nations. With Brexit, however, the UK launched the GHIC to provide equivalent benefits to its citizens.
Although the UK is no longer a member of the EU, there are some individuals who will still have EHIC cover, allowing you to continue using any EHIC currently in your possession only until its expiry date, on the following condition:
You are an EU citizen who has resident status in the UK ('settled status') at the end of the Brexit transition period (by 31 December 2020).
After your existing EHIC expires, you will have to apply for a GHIC card to maintain coverage.
The GHIC application process is easy and cost free; you will apply online at the NHS website. The application process will go as follows:
It usually takes up to 10 working days to receive your GHIC. Each member of your family must apply separately—even children.
Though both cards offer similar healthcare access, there are key EHIC vs GHIC differences that travelers should note.
The EHIC and GHIC cards may do some of the same things but have differences as well. The EHIC that we know and love has been issued by the EU (or if you're in the UK pre-Brexit, the UK) for a long time, but now it is only available for a few select people who can apply. These include UK pensioners, UK students who were in their studies before Brexit, and EU nationals who were living in the UK during the Brexit transition period. The EHIC is still valid in very limited ways in EU or EEA countries, or in Switzerland, but once it expires, it cannot be renewed (except in very special cases).
The GHIC is issued by the NHS of the UK, and was only just issued after Brexit, but now is available just to people who are 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, and provides access to healthcare in any EU country. Note, however, that the GHIC does not provide coverage anywhere outside the EU (no EEA or Switzerland). It is now the card to have if you are traveling outside the UK. The GHIC is a newly issued card, as opposed to being simply renewed from an EHIC.
It should be noted that EHIC and GHIC cards are not travel insurance replacements. Cards pay for essential medical care only and do not cover:
Keep both a valid GHIC card and full travel insurance to remain fully covered.
The Global Health Insurance Card UK entitles you to EU nations' public healthcare on the same terms as residents. It usually includes:
You can use EHIC and GHIC cards within EU nations for healthcare for:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
If you are traveling outside of the EU, you may need to take into consideration bilateral healthcare agreements or a comprehensive insurance policy.
If you fall under the special categories, for example, EU citizens who have moved to the UK before 2021, you can still renew an EHIC. To do so:
If your EHIC (or GHIC) card is lost while abroad, do the following:
Give your details and the hospital contact information where you're being treated.
The PRC means you continue to get the same medical benefits even without the actual card.
Incorrect. GHIC only provides state healthcare coverage, not holiday interruptions or private care.
False. Despite the name, the Global Health Insurance Card UK is primarily for EU countries.
Every EHIC has an expiry date. After that most people are required to switch to GHIC.
UK students abroad in the EU can still utilize EHIC until it expires. In applying for GHIC, students should:
UK pensioners and frontier workers residing in the EU can maintain entitlements to the EHIC. The following can apply under the S1 healthcare certificate:
It is important for pensioners and workers to check their S1 registration with the NHS before booking their travel.
If you are a UK citizen traveling within Europe, understanding the benefits of the EHIC and GHIC cards is very important. Although neither card offers full comprehensive travel insurance, they offer valuable access to emergency and essential healthcare in countries willing to accept them. This means you will not be locked out or left with excessive bills for care should the unexpected occur during your time away. There is great comfort in knowing that you have an EHIC or GHIC card in your pocket; you can stop worrying and refrain from counting your pennies if your health becomes precarious. Ultimately, this = peace of mind. You can focus on your holiday and what lies ahead rather than worrying about basic healthcare provision should the unexpected happen.
This content was created by AI