Last reviewed: September 2026 • Written by the Covered2Go Travel Team
A GHIC and travel insurance provide different types of protection when you travel. A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can give eligible travellers access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare in participating countries, while travel insurance can provide wider protection for risks such as cancellation, emergency medical costs, repatriation and baggage, subject to the policy terms.
A GHIC is therefore not a replacement for travel insurance. Depending on the healthcare system in the country you are visiting, treatment accessed using a GHIC may be free or you may need to pay the same charges that a local resident would pay.
This guide explains the difference between a GHIC and travel insurance, what each can help with, where a GHIC can be used and why the two provide different types of protection when travelling.
GHIC vs Travel Insurance at a Glance
What Is a GHIC?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows eligible people to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare when visiting participating countries. Healthcare is provided on the same basis as it is to a resident of the country you are visiting.
That does not necessarily mean treatment will be free. If residents of the country normally pay towards state healthcare, you may also be required to pay.
Good to know
A UK GHIC is free to apply for through the NHS and can last for up to five years. Existing UK EHICs can continue to be used until they expire where they remain valid for the destination.
What Does a GHIC Cover?
A GHIC is designed to give access to state healthcare that is medically necessary during your stay and cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK. Whether treatment is medically necessary is determined by the healthcare provider in the country you are visiting.
Emergency Treatment
Medically necessary emergency treatment through the state healthcare system can be included.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Medically necessary state healthcare for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions can be included.
Necessary Ongoing Care
Necessary healthcare for an existing condition may be available where the treatment cannot reasonably wait until you return home.
Routine Maternity Care
Routine maternity care can be included provided you are not travelling abroad specifically to give birth.
What Doesn’t a GHIC Cover?
A GHIC is a healthcare access card rather than a travel insurance policy. There are therefore several important travel risks it does not cover.
A GHIC is for eligible state-provided healthcare and does not provide cover for private medical facilities.
It does not pay to transport you back to the UK because of illness, injury or death.
A GHIC does not cover ski or mountain rescue costs.
It does not reimburse holiday costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip.
A GHIC does not provide baggage or personal belongings insurance.
A GHIC does not provide travel delay, missed departure or similar travel disruption benefits.
GHIC vs Travel Insurance: What’s the Difference?
The simplest way to understand the difference is that a GHIC primarily concerns access to eligible state healthcare, while travel insurance can provide financial protection against a wider range of unexpected events, subject to the cover selected and policy terms.
*Travel insurance benefits depend on the policy, level of cover selected, eligibility, circumstances of the claim and applicable terms, conditions and exclusions.
Do I Need Travel Insurance If I Have a GHIC?
A GHIC should not be treated as a replacement for travel insurance.
A GHIC can be useful if you need medically necessary state healthcare during an eligible trip, but it does not provide the broader protection associated with a travel insurance policy.
For example, if you need to be medically repatriated to the UK, cancel an insured trip for an eligible reason or make an eligible baggage claim, a GHIC would not provide that protection. Appropriate travel insurance may provide cover, subject to its terms and limits.
If you’re taking a one-off holiday, you can learn more about Single Trip Travel Insurance.
If you expect to travel several times during the year, see our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance guide.
Does a GHIC Cover Pre-Existing Medical Conditions?
A GHIC can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare for long-term and pre-existing medical conditions. However, this is separate from the requirements of your travel insurance.
With Covered2Go, some specified medical conditions may be covered without additional screening under the current Policy Wording. Other relevant pre-existing conditions need to be declared to Millstream’s Medical Screening Service, and additional premium or special terms may apply if cover is offered.
Read about travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions →
Where Can You Use a UK GHIC?
According to current NHS guidance, a UK GHIC can be used in countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and in certain other countries or territories where arrangements are in place.
EEA Countries
A UK GHIC can be used when visiting countries in the European Economic Area, subject to the applicable rules.
Switzerland
A UK GHIC can be used in Switzerland by eligible people. Eligibility rules apply, so check the current NHS guidance before travelling.
Other Participating Destinations
Current NHS guidance also lists certain destinations outside the EEA. Because arrangements can change, check the official guidance for your destination before travelling.
What About an Existing EHIC?
The GHIC has replaced the previous UK-issued EHIC for most applicants. If you still have an existing valid UK EHIC, you can continue to use it until it expires where it is valid for your destination. When it expires, most eligible UK residents will apply for a GHIC instead.
Some people may remain eligible for a new UK EHIC depending on their circumstances. Check the current NHS guidance if you think this applies to you.
What About a GHIC for Spain?
A valid GHIC can be used to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare in Spain under the applicable arrangements. As elsewhere, this does not replace travel insurance and does not provide protection for risks such as cancellation, baggage or medical repatriation.
If Spain is your destination, our Spain Travel Insurance guide explains travel insurance considerations for a Spanish holiday.
For trips elsewhere in Europe, see our Europe Travel Insurance page.
Planning a Trip to Europe? What Should You Check?
Check the passport and entry requirements for your destination before travelling.
Make sure your card is valid and can be used in the country you are visiting.
Check the policy benefits, limits, excesses, conditions and exclusions relevant to your trip.
Make sure relevant pre-existing medical conditions have been dealt with in accordance with your travel insurance requirements.
If you’re planning skiing, winter sports, cruises or other activities, make sure the appropriate insurance cover is in place.
Review current entry requirements, healthcare information and destination-specific advice before travelling.
Check FCDO Foreign Travel Advice →
GHIC vs Travel Insurance FAQs
Is a GHIC the same as travel insurance?
No. A GHIC provides access to eligible state-provided healthcare in participating countries. Travel insurance can provide protection against a broader range of risks, including eligible emergency medical costs, cancellation, repatriation and baggage claims, depending on the policy.
Do I need travel insurance if I have a GHIC?
A GHIC should not be treated as a replacement for travel insurance. It does not provide protection for risks such as medical repatriation, private healthcare, trip cancellation or baggage.
Is healthcare free with a GHIC?
Not necessarily. Eligible state healthcare is provided on the same basis as it is to a resident of the country you are visiting. If local residents normally pay towards treatment, you may also need to pay.
Is a GHIC free?
Yes. A UK GHIC is free to apply for through the official NHS service. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge for making an application.
Does a GHIC cover pre-existing medical conditions?
A GHIC can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare for long-term or pre-existing conditions. This is separate from travel insurance, where medical declaration or screening requirements can apply.
Does a GHIC cover private medical treatment?
No. A GHIC is intended for eligible state-provided healthcare and does not cover private medical treatment.
Does a GHIC cover medical repatriation?
No. A GHIC does not cover the cost of transporting you back to the UK because of illness, injury or death. Appropriate travel insurance may provide repatriation cover, subject to the policy terms.
Is an EHIC still valid?
An existing UK EHIC can continue to be used until its expiry date where it remains valid for the destination. Most eligible UK residents will then apply for a GHIC, although some people may remain eligible for a new UK EHIC.
Check the Latest Official GHIC Guidance
Healthcare arrangements and eligibility rules can change, so check the latest NHS guidance before travelling or applying for a card.
Planning a European Holiday?
A GHIC can be useful for accessing eligible state healthcare, but it doesn’t replace travel insurance. Explore Covered2Go’s Europe Travel Insurance for information about the cover available for eligible European trips.
Travel insurance cover is subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check the current Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance for the cover that applies to your policy.
This guide is intended for general information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. GHIC and EHIC eligibility, healthcare arrangements and destination rules can change. Check current NHS and UK Government guidance before travelling.
