MILLIONS of holidaymakers are missing out on free travel cards that could save them thousands of pounds if they become unwell abroad.
Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) let you access state healthcare in the European Economic Area and several other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country.
The free GHIC cards replaced European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) after Brexit.
But just 4.6million people applied for a card last year, according to exclusive figures obtained through a Freedom of Information request by Compare the Market.
This is 1.1million less than in 2023, when 5.7million cards were issued.
But 86.2million people travelled abroad in 2023 alone, which means millions of people are travelling without a GHIC.
During this time the NHS spent more than £300million on medical treatment abroad for UK citizens with EHICs or GHICs.
In Spain, a trip to A&E can cost around €200 without a GHIC, with extra fees for blood tests, overnight stays and consultations, while a broken bone could cost thousands.
Although the GHIC card provides help with necessary medical care, it does not offer the same medical protection as travel insurance.
You also cannot use a GHIC to pay for private treatment, evacuation such as mountain rescues or repatriation costs if you need to be flown back to the UK.
And some insurers will not pay for a medical claim unless you have a GHIC so it’s important that you register for one now to avoid invalidating your insurance.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Why it’s important to buy travel insurance when booking a holiday” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6350205313112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]What does your card cover?
You can use your card to get state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK.
This can include things like:
- Emergency treatment such as a visit to A&E
- Treatment or routine medical care for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions
- Routine medical care, as long as you are not going abroad to give birth
Whether treatment is medically necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you are visiting.
You may have to pay for treatment if a local resident would be expected to pay for it in the country you are visiting.
You can check what healthcare is provided and any potential charges you may face on the government website.
[boxout headline=”Where can I use my card?” intro=”Countries where you can use a GHIC”]You can use a GHIC if you are visiting any country in the European Economic Area.
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Poland,
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
The European Economic Area also includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
You can also use the cards in Switzerland, Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan and Ascension.
How do I apply for a GHIC?
You can apply for a UK GHIC if you are a UK resident via the NHS website.
Every family member needs their own card but you can add your spouse and children to your application when you apply.
The card is free and lasts for up to five years.
You can submit an application for a new card up to nine months before your current card expires.
Do not apply through unofficial websites as they may charge you a fee.
You will need to give your full name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.
If you are from Northern Ireland then you will also need to provide your Health and care number.
Once you have submitted your application you will get an email within 24 hours to let you know whether it has been approved or not.
Once your application has been granted you should get your new card by post within 15 working days.
If your card does not arrive in time for your holiday and you need medically necessary treatment during your visit, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
These give you temporary cover in the meantime.
If you have the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) then you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card.
Once it expires, you will need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.
