EHIC CARD

Worried that you can no longer use your EHIC Card in the EU whilst travelling? Well despite scaremongering and rumours leading up to Brexit about this essential reciprocal health agreement it has not been scrapped but re-invented as the GHIC or Global Health Insurance Card.

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So, What is a GHIC?
A GHIC is a UK Global Health Insurance Card. If you’re a citizen of the UK, the card entitles you to free or discounted medical treatment when you’re in an EU country. You follow the same rules as a citizen of that country – so if their medical care is completely free, so is yours.

Next, Where can you use it?

Your GHIC card is valid in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus (Southern), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

From the 1st January 2021, GHICs and most UK EHICs will not cover you in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. So please check your circumstances of Travelling.

How do I get one, I hear you ask?

The great news is you do not have to apply for a GHIC Card if you have a valid EHIC Card. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. Check Your Expiry date though!

To get one, just fill out an application on the official website https://www.ghic.co.uk/

or by calling the NHS on 0300 330 1350.
Your card is valid for five years and each card covers just one person. If you have a child under 16, include them on your application and you’ll both receive your own GHIC.
You can also get treatment for a chronic or pre-existing medical condition during your trip. The GHIC card must be carried with you at all times if you need treatment – so carry it with you in your bag or wallet when you’re out and about.

Remember, you only need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card if you don’t have a valid EHIC.

IMPORTANT – MY ADVICE

The GHIC is not a replacement for Travel insurance with Full Medical cover.

It works alongside your insurance to reduce the cost of treatment and to make sure your treatment is not delayed contacting insurers, this can be a godsend in the event of an emergency but it is important to realise that your Travel Insurance also covers much more including extended stays due to illness and Repatriation etc.