UK Global Health Insurance Card Application

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a healthcare entitlement card provided by the UK government, enabling British citizens to receive medical services while traveling in countries across the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

Following the UK's exit from the EU (Brexit), the GHIC replaced the former European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK residents. While the purpose remains similar, the GHIC is now the recognized document for accessing healthcare abroad within the specified regions.

With a GHIC, travelers from the UK can receive essential medical care during short stays in these countries. This includes both emergency assistance and ongoing treatment for existing health conditions. The care you receive will be offered on the same terms as it is to local citizens—free where the host country’s healthcare is free, or at the same subsidized rate if charges apply.

Healthcare services accessible under the GHIC include emergency room visits, urgent medical attention, continued treatment for chronic conditions, maternity services during pregnancy, and support such as dialysis or oxygen therapy when medically necessary.

The UK GHIC Card

Individuals who possess a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) are generally eligible to receive healthcare services under the same terms as local residents in participating countries. However, it’s worth noting that not every nation within the eligible network offers healthcare free of charge. In some places, patients are expected to contribute a portion of the medical expenses. In such cases, GHIC users will be subject to the same fees as those who live in that country.

It’s crucial to understand that the GHIC is not a substitute for a comprehensive travel insurance policy. For instance, the GHIC doesn’t extend to private medical treatment, cover belongings that are lost or stolen, or apply to medical needs on cruise voyages. For these reasons, carrying both a valid GHIC and a travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. In fact, many insurers may even waive your excess if you can show you’ve used your GHIC.

Bringing both forms of coverage on your journey ensures greater peace of mind and offers wider protection in the event of medical emergencies or unexpected incidents while abroad.

You can apply for a GHIC through countries within the European Economic Area, but the rules around eligibility, how to apply, and how to renew may vary depending on the specific country. It’s wise to research the local process before planning your trip.

How To Apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card

Eligibility for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is determined by where you live, not your nationality. This means that anyone who can demonstrate legal residency in an EEA member country may qualify for the card.

Once a GHIC is issued to you by a particular country, you are not permitted to apply for or obtain another one from a different nation. Additionally, those who are eligible for or currently hold a GHIC may lose their entitlement if they relocate to or begin employment in a country outside the EEA.

While the GHIC allows access to public healthcare services deemed medically necessary during short visits to participating countries, it does not extend to private healthcare or cover repatriation costs such as returning to the UK for treatment. Since each country has its own healthcare policies and systems, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the local rules and what services are available before traveling.

Countries That Accept the Global Health Insurance Card

TThe Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can be used to access public healthcare services during short-term stays in countries across the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

The nations where GHICs are valid include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and the Czech Republic

Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, and Greece

Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Luxembourg

Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia

Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland

These countries honour the GHIC for necessary state-provided healthcare on the same basis as treatment offered to their own citizens.