Last reviewed: June 2026 • 5 minute read • Written by the Covered2Go Travel Team
Travelling to Europe? If you already have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you may be wondering whether you still need travel insurance.
The short answer is yes.
A GHIC is designed to help you access medically necessary state healthcare in participating European countries, but it does not replace travel insurance. It will not typically cover unexpected costs such as cancelling your holiday, lost luggage, travel delays or emergency repatriation back to the UK.
Many UK travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance, providing broader protection before and during their trip.
If you’re planning a European holiday, it’s worth exploring your options for Europe Travel Insurance before you travel.
Quick Summary
- A GHIC helps you access state-provided healthcare in participating European countries.
- A GHIC does not replace travel insurance.
- Travel insurance may provide protection for cancellation, emergency medical expenses, baggage and travel disruption, subject to the policy purchased and its terms, conditions and exclusions.
- Many UK travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance for broader protection while travelling in Europe.
What is a GHIC?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows UK residents to access medically necessary state healthcare in participating European countries, often on the same basis as local residents.
The GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most new UK applications following Brexit, although existing EHIC cards remain valid until their expiry date.
A GHIC is available free of charge through the NHS. Always apply via the official NHS website and be cautious of third-party websites that charge unnecessary fees.
What does a GHIC cover?
A GHIC may provide access to:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Medically necessary state healthcare
- Treatment for pre-existing conditions where medically necessary during your trip
- Routine maternity care where appropriate
The level of cover available will depend on the country you are visiting and its healthcare system.
It’s important to remember that a GHIC provides access to state healthcare and is not designed to cover every unexpected travel expense.
At a Glance: GHIC vs Travel Insurance
At a glance, here’s the difference between a GHIC and travel insurance.
*Cover depends on the policy purchased and is subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
Many UK travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance because they provide different types of protection.
Do I still need travel insurance for Europe?
While a GHIC is a valuable card to carry, it is not a substitute for travel insurance.
Travel insurance can help protect you against unexpected events before and during your trip, including:
- Trip cancellation
- Emergency medical expenses
- Lost or stolen baggage
- Travel delays
- Missed departures
- Personal liability
Cover limits, terms, conditions and exclusions will vary depending on the policy selected.
Whether you’re planning a city break, beach holiday or touring holiday, Single Trip Travel Insurance may be suitable for one-off holidays, while Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance could offer convenience and value if you’re planning multiple trips throughout the year.
Travelling with pre-existing medical conditions
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to declare it when arranging travel insurance.
Many declared medical conditions may be accepted following medical screening, helping travellers arrange cover that meets their individual circumstances.
Find out more about Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions and how medical screening works.
Planning a trip to Spain or Europe?
Spain remains one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, attracting millions of British travellers every year.
Although a GHIC provides access to state healthcare where available, many travellers still choose travel insurance for additional protection against cancellation, baggage loss and travel disruption.
If Spain is your next destination, visit our Spain Travel Insurance guide for more information.
Travelling elsewhere in Europe? Explore our Europe Travel Insurance page for destination-specific advice and cover options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GHIC the same as travel insurance?
No. A GHIC provides access to medically necessary state healthcare in participating countries, whereas travel insurance is designed to help protect against a wider range of unexpected travel costs, subject to policy terms and conditions.
Is a GHIC free?
Yes. GHICs are available free of charge through the NHS.
Can I travel with just a GHIC?
You can travel with a GHIC, but it does not typically cover cancellation, baggage, travel delays or emergency repatriation. Many travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance.
Does a GHIC cover private medical treatment?
No. A GHIC generally provides access to state-provided healthcare and does not usually cover private treatment.
Does a GHIC cover emergency repatriation?
No. Returning to the UK following illness or injury can be extremely expensive and is not typically covered by a GHIC.
Does travel insurance include emergency medical expenses?
Many travel insurance policies include emergency medical expenses, subject to the policy purchased and its terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check the Policy Wording to understand the cover available.
Before You Travel
Before setting off on your European holiday, consider this simple checklist:
✔ Check your passport validity
✔ Apply for a GHIC if required
✔ Arrange suitable travel insurance
✔ Declare any pre-existing medical conditions
✔ Review the latest FCDO travel advice
✔ Keep emergency contact details accessible
Final Thoughts
A GHIC is a valuable addition for UK travellers visiting Europe, but it is designed to complement rather than replace travel insurance.
By carrying both a GHIC and appropriate travel insurance, you can access state healthcare where available while also benefiting from protection against many other unexpected travel costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions.
Ready to start planning your next trip? Compare cover options and Get a Travel Insurance Quote with Covered2Go today.
This guide is intended for general information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Cover depends on the policy purchased and is subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
