Last reviewed: June 2026 • 6 minute read • Written by the Covered2Go Travel Team
GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card): Everything UK Travellers Need to Know
If you’re planning a holiday to Europe, you’ve probably heard about the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
A GHIC can help UK travellers access state-provided healthcare in participating countries, but it doesn’t replace travel insurance and doesn’t cover every situation you might encounter abroad.
This guide explains what a GHIC is, who can apply, what it covers and why many travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance.
💡 Quick Summary
- A GHIC allows UK travellers to access state-provided healthcare in participating European countries on the same basis as local residents.
- Applying for a GHIC is free and should only be done through the official NHS website.
- A GHIC does not replace travel insurance and does not typically cover private healthcare, trip cancellation, lost luggage or emergency repatriation.
- Many UK travellers choose to carry both a valid GHIC and comprehensive travel insurance for broader protection while travelling in Europe.
Looking for travel insurance? Explore Europe Travel Insurance or Travel Insurance for Medical Conditions.
📘 In This Guide
Jump straight to the section you need:
What Is a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card)?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows UK residents to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare when visiting participating European countries.
Introduced following Brexit, the GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most new UK applicants. It helps travellers receive healthcare on the same basis as local residents, meaning treatment may be free or available at a reduced cost depending on the country you are visiting.
A GHIC is free to apply for, but it is important to understand that it is not a replacement for travel insurance. It does not typically cover private medical treatment, emergency repatriation to the UK, trip cancellation, lost luggage or travel disruption.
For many UK travellers, carrying both a GHIC and travel insurance provides broader protection while travelling in Europe.
What does a GHIC allow you to access?
A GHIC may allow you to access:
✅ Emergency medical treatment
✅ Medically necessary healthcare during your trip
✅ Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions where provided through the state healthcare system
✅ Routine maternity care where medically necessary
The level of healthcare available will depend on the country you are visiting and how its public healthcare system operates.
What a GHIC does not cover
A GHIC is not an insurance policy and does not typically provide cover for:
❌ Private hospitals or clinics
❌ Emergency medical repatriation to the UK
❌ Mountain rescue services
❌ Cruise ship medical facilities
❌ Trip cancellation or curtailment
❌ Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
❌ Travel delays or missed departures
For these situations, many travellers choose to arrange Europe Travel Insurance before they travel.
Do You Still Need Travel Insurance If You Have a GHIC?
Yes. A GHIC helps UK travellers access state-provided healthcare in participating European countries, but it does not replace travel insurance. A GHIC does not typically cover private medical treatment, emergency repatriation, trip cancellation, travel delays or lost baggage. For this reason, many travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance when visiting Europe.
Why Carrying a GHIC and Travel Insurance Makes Sense
Healthcare systems vary across Europe, and while a GHIC can provide valuable access to state healthcare, it does not remove the financial risks associated with travelling abroad.
Unexpected medical costs, private treatment, cancelled holidays or emergency transport back to the UK can all result in significant expenses if you do not have appropriate travel insurance.
For this reason, many UK travellers carry both a GHIC and comprehensive travel insurance when visiting Europe.
EHIC vs GHIC – At a Glance
For most UK travellers, a valid EHIC and a GHIC provide similar access to medically necessary state healthcare in participating countries. If your EHIC is still valid, you can continue using it until it expires. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC through the official NHS website.
Planning a trip to Europe? Explore our Europe Travel Insurance guide.
Why a GHIC Is Still Worth Carrying
While GHIC isn’t enough on its own, it is still valuable.
For example:
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GHIC may cover emergency treatment for pre-existing medical conditions in state hospitals
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Some travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless they are declared and accepted
Many travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance for broader protection.
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.
Many travel insurance policies require pre-existing medical conditions to be declared and accepted before cover can apply. Once accepted, your medical cover runs alongside your travel insurance, helping ensure your declared medical conditions are considered as part of your cover.
👉 Travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
How to Apply for a GHIC (Free)
Applying for a GHIC is:
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Free
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Done online via the official UK government website
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Recommended at least 2 weeks before travel
Who can apply:
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You must be 16 or over to apply for your own GHIC
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Children under 16 must be added as dependants
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Each traveller needs their own GHIC
⚠️ You cannot apply for a GHIC at a GP surgery or post office. Always apply through the official NHS website. If you’re asked to pay an application fee, you’re probably using a third-party service.
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:
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Are not official
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Often charge unnecessary fees
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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:
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Ask whether the hospital is state-run
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Check whether they accept GHIC
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Read any documents carefully before signing
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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 a GHIC
A GHIC generally provides access to state-provided healthcare in participating European countries. Always check the latest official guidance before travelling, as arrangements can change.
Before you travel: Always check the latest country-specific healthcare arrangements and entry requirements through the official NHS and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, as participating countries and healthcare arrangements may change.
Whether you’re taking a weekend city break or a longer European holiday, understanding how a GHIC works alongside travel insurance can help you travel with greater confidence.
Key Takeaways
- GHIC provides access to state healthcare in participating countries.
- A GHIC is free to apply for through the official NHS website.
- A GHIC does not replace travel insurance.
- Many UK travellers choose to carry both a GHIC and travel insurance.
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