An EHIC and GHIC card is an essential piece of travel documentation if you are travelling within the European Economic Union however it is not a replacement for travel insurance. I’ll explain what the EHIC and GHIC cards are able to protect you for and where travel insurance can plug the gaps.
European health insurance card
The EHIC and GHIC cards entitles the card holder to emergency or necessary medical care for the same cost as a resident in the country being visited. Meaning it will be at reduced cost and in some cases free when you are travelling within certain European countries. The EHIC has been replaced by the GHIC. EHIC cards that have yet to expire are still valid until that expiry date, after which a GHIC card will need to be applied for.
In what countries can the card(s) be used?
Within the following EU countries only:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus (but not in North Cyprus), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
What is a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is the new replacement for the EHIC and was introduced 01st January 2021.
Despite being called the Global Health Insurance Card, it is currently only effective in Europe.
The following countries do not accept the EHIC or GHIC card
- the Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Monaco
- San Marino
- the Vatican
Does the EHIC and GHIC give me free medical treatment?
As a UK resident both the EHIC and GHIC cards allow you to access state healthcare when you are travelling to the European Union. This agreement is reciprocal so European travellers to the UK can also access the NHS should they need treatment whilst here.
Having an EHIC or GHIC card provides the holder to reduced cost and sometimes free emergency treatment.
Getting a GHIC card is free and is recommended even if you have travel insurance in place. In some cases your travel insurer may require you to have one in place.
What is not covered by an EHIC or GHIC?
The EHIC and GHIC cards are designed to help should you require emergency or necessary medical care when in Europe. With that being the case there are some areas where they will be unable to help, some such cases are:
- Private hospital treatment: The EHIC and GHIC only provide cover for state-run hospitals, if you have treatment at a private hospital you will be liable for the full cost of treatment. It is important to note in a medical emergency you may have no control over the hospital you are taken to and the closest hospital may be private.
- Elective treatment: Cover is for emergency treatment only, so if you are heading to Europe specifically to get treatment for a medical condition then this will not be covered under the EHIC or GHIC card.
- If you have gone overseas specifically to give birth: Much like the reason above, if you have planned a trip to receive treatment including giving birth then you won’t be covered under the EHIC or GHIC. You will, however, be able to receive routine care related to your pregnancy.
- Repatriation to the UK: Should you want, or need, to come home to the UK to receive treatment then the costs of bringing you back to the UK is not covered under EHIC or GHIC. Nor will it be able to provide cover for a relative to stay or fly out to be with you.
- Mountain rescue
- Non healthcare related issues: GHIC and EHIC cards are purely for healthcare so should you encounter any other travel related issues such as lost baggage, delays or cancellations you will not be covered.
How do I get a GHIC card?
You can apply for an GHIC card on the official website address: website
Does everyone in the family need their own GHIC card?
Yes. Every member of the family needs their own card. If your child is under 16 years old you will need to apply on their behalf. You can also apply on behalf of your partner.
You will need the following information for every person you are applying for:
• Full name
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number(s) for all people applying who are over 16 years of age
Do I need to carry my card with me when I travel?
It is advisable to have your card with you at all times, in case of an emergency.
However, if you find yourself without it in an emergency, you’ll need to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) by calling the Overseas Healthcare Services on +44 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm). It's a good idea to save this number in your phone.
Will I have to pay anything up front for treatment?
In some countries you may be required to pay a patient contribution upfront, which you may be able to claim back at a later date. Keep all receipts and documentation.
How does travel insurance differ from EHIC and GHIC?
The EHIC and GHIC are not substitutes for travel insurance, instead they can work in tandem with each other. In fact you may find that if you use you EHIC/GHIC card for treatment and there are additional costs involved, that the travel insurers may wave any medical excess that applies on your travel insurance policy.
Travel insurance offers altogether more comprehensive protection for travellers than the EHIC or GHIC. It may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs for further treatment.