GHIC Information – Everything You Need To Know

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Everything You Need to Know About the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card)

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK residents following Brexit. While both cards provide access to healthcare in Europe, there is still a lot of confusion around what GHIC covers, who can apply, and whether you still need travel insurance. This guide explains how GHIC works, the differences between GHIC and EHIC, and why having travel insurance alongside GHIC is essential.

What Is a GHIC?

A GHIC allows UK residents to access state-provided healthcare in certain European countries on the same basis as local residents.

This means:

  • If healthcare is free for locals, it will usually be free for you

  • If locals pay a contribution, you will need to pay the same amount

A GHIC:

  • Is free

  • Covers state-run hospitals and GPs only

  • Does not cover private healthcare

  • Does not replace travel insurance

EHIC vs GHIC – What’s the difference?

For most travellers, GHIC and EHIC offer the same level of cover.

Key points:

  • If you have a valid EHIC, you can continue using it until it expires

  • EHICs are usually valid for 5 years

  • Once your EHIC expires, you should apply for a GHIC

Brexit changes to be aware of

Before 1 January 2021, EHIC also covered some non-EU countries such as Norway, Iceland and Switzerland. Since Brexit, GHIC and EHIC generally apply to EU countries only, with limited exceptions.

What Does GHIC Cover?

GHIC covers:

  • Medically necessary treatment

  • Emergency treatment

  • Treatment for existing medical conditions when provided through the state healthcare system

GHIC does not cover:

  • Private hospitals or clinics

  • Medical repatriation back to the UK

  • Mountain rescue

  • Cruise ship medical facilities

  • Trip cancellation or curtailment

  • Lost luggage or stolen valuables

GHIC vs Travel Insurance: Do You Need Both?

Yes — GHIC does not replace travel insurance.

GHIC only provides limited access to state healthcare, while travel insurance offers much broader protection.

Why travel insurance is still essential

  • You may be taken to a private hospital in an emergency

  • GHIC does not cover repatriation to the UK

  • Some state hospitals still require upfront payment

  • GHIC does not cover delays, cancellations, or belongings

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Why GHIC Is Still Useful

While GHIC isn’t enough on its own, it is still valuable.

For example:

  • GHIC may cover emergency treatment for pre-existing medical conditions in state hospitals

  • Some travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless they are declared and accepted

The safest approach is to travel with both GHIC and comprehensive travel insurance.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can include cover for pre-existing medical conditions, but these must always be declared and accepted.

Our policies consider all conditions through an online medical screening process. Once accepted, your medical cover runs alongside your travel insurance, giving you full protection.

👉 Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions

How to Apply for a GHIC (Free)

Applying for a GHIC is:

Who can apply:

  • You must be 16 or over to apply for your own GHIC

  • Children under 16 must be added as dependants

  • Each traveller needs their own GHIC

⚠️ You cannot apply for a GHIC at a GP surgery or post office.

Beware of GHIC Scam Websites

Many websites appear in search results claiming to help you apply for a GHIC “quickly” or “easily” — often charging a fee.

These sites:

  • Are not official

  • Often charge unnecessary fees

  • May operate legally as “application services”

Always apply only via the official government website. If a site asks for payment, avoid it.

What If Your GHIC Is Refused Abroad?

While rare, GHICs can sometimes be refused.

If this happens:

  • Ask whether the hospital is state-run

  • Check whether they accept GHIC

  • Read any documents carefully before signing

  • If referred to a private hospital, ask for justification

If GHIC is refused, travel insurance provides essential backup. Without either, you may need to pay medical costs in full.

Countries Covered by GHIC

GHIC generally applies in the following EU countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Always check the European Commission country pages for up-to-date information before travelling.

Key Takeaway

GHIC is helpful, but it offers limited protection. It does not replace travel insurance.

The safest option is to travel with:

  • A valid GHIC, and

  • Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment, cancellations, and emergencies.

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FAQs – GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card)

A GHIC covers medically necessary treatment in state-run healthcare facilities in certain European countries, on the same basis as local residents.

No. GHIC does not cover private healthcare, medical repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or personal liability. Travel insurance is still essential.

Yes, if your EHIC is still valid. You only need to apply for a GHIC once your EHIC expires or if you are applying for the first time.

GHIC may cover emergency treatment for pre-existing conditions provided through the state healthcare system. Travel insurance requires conditions to be declared and accepted.

Yes. GHIC is completely free and should only be applied for via the official UK government website.