Global Health Insurance Card Application Form

A GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) gives UK residents access to medically necessary state-provided healthcare when visiting certain European countries. This includes care for sudden illnesses or injuries that occur while you're abroad, as well as treatment for ongoing medical conditions that require attention during your trip. This may also cover maternity care, provided the reason for travel isn't to give birth. The card allows you to receive care either free or at a reduced cost, similar to what local citizens would receive under the country's public healthcare system. However, it’s not a substitute for travel insurance, as it doesn’t include private medical services or things like repatriation.

The GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card) and the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) both serve a similar function: they provide access to state-funded healthcare while you’re visiting other countries. However, there are important distinctions between them.

The EHIC was primarily issued when the UK was part of the EU and allowed access to healthcare across all EU countries and a few additional nations. After Brexit, the GHIC replaced the EHIC for most UK citizens. The GHIC offers similar benefits but does not cover every country that the EHIC did — some countries outside the EU that previously accepted the EHIC no longer do so for GHIC holders.

In essence, both cards are designed to ensure UK travellers can receive necessary medical treatment while abroad, but the GHIC reflects the UK's updated agreements post-Brexit and has a slightly narrower list of participating countries. Keep in mind, neither card replaces travel insurance, and they won’t cover private healthcare or things like mountain rescues or flights back home.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is accepted in most nations that are part of the European Union. When you travel to these EU member states, the GHIC lets you access necessary healthcare provided by the state, often at a lower cost or even for free, much like a local resident would receive.

While the GHIC primarily works across EU countries, it doesn’t extend to every European nation—particularly those outside the EU bloc. For example, countries like Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein no longer accept the GHIC. However, the UK has made separate arrangements with a few countries, such as Switzerland, where the card may still be valid under specific circumstances.

Because agreements can change, it’s always wise to check the latest guidance on each country's eligibility before you travel. And remember, the GHIC doesn’t replace travel insurance—it only helps with essential public healthcare where applicable.

After you’ve submitted your application for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), it typically takes about two weeks for the card to be processed and delivered to your home address. However, processing times can sometimes be longer, especially during busy periods or if there are delays due to missing or incorrect information in your application. This is where our service helps.

It’s a good idea to apply well in advance of your travel plans to avoid any last-minute issues. If you're heading abroad soon and haven't received your GHIC, there’s no fast-track option, so you'll need to ensure you have other arrangements in place, such as comprehensive travel insurance, just in case.

If your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) hasn’t arrived by the time you’re due to travel, don’t panic— If you require medical attention while abroad and haven't got your GHIC, you can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). This temporary document gives you the same healthcare rights as the GHIC, allowing you to access public medical treatment in countries where the GHIC is valid.

To request a PRC, you’ll usually need to provide evidence of your trip and any relevant medical need. However, it’s always wise to have full travel insurance as a backup, since the GHIC (or PRC) won’t cover private care or other travel-related mishaps like cancellations or lost luggage.

While a GHIC isn’t legally required for travel, it can be incredibly useful if you're visiting countries where it’s accepted. This card gives you access to public healthcare in participating European nations, often at the same cost as residents—sometimes free, sometimes at a reduced rate.

Without it, you might have to pay full price for medical care if something goes wrong during your trip. Though it doesn’t replace a full travel insurance policy, having a GHIC can help reduce unexpected healthcare expenses. So, while it’s not mandatory, bringing one along is a smart move if you want extra peace of mind while abroad.

If your GHIC application seems to be taking longer than expected, several factors could be causing the holdup. One common reason is a high number of applications being submitted at the same time, which can slow down processing across the board.

Another possibility is that there’s missing or incorrect information on your form—anything from a wrong address to incomplete details can delay approval. This is where our service helps to avoid this issue. Also, during peak travel seasons or after major announcements, demand for Global Health Insurance Cards often spikes, which puts extra pressure on the system.

To avoid delays, it’s best to double-check all the information before submitting your application. 

A GHIC card and travel insurance may both relate to health coverage during trips, but they serve very different roles. The GHIC allows UK residents to receive necessary public healthcare in certain European countries, often either for free or at a reduced price—similar to what locals are entitled to.

However, its scope is limited. It won’t pay for private treatment, emergency transport back to the UK, or costs related to trip cancellations, lost baggage, or stolen items. That’s where travel insurance steps in. A comprehensive travel insurance policy can cover a wide range of unexpected events, including accidents, illness, theft, and disruptions to your journey.

In short, the GHIC is useful for accessing basic public healthcare while in participating countries, but it doesn’t offer the full financial protection that travel insurance provides. For complete peace of mind, especially in emergencies, it’s best to carry both.

The GHIC may provide help with dental care in certain situations, but only if the treatment is deemed medically essential by the local healthcare system of the country you're visiting. This usually means emergency procedures—like treating a sudden infection or relieving serious pain—rather than routine check-ups or cosmetic work.

What’s considered urgent or necessary can vary depending on the country you’re in, and even then, you might still be expected to pay a portion of the cost, just as a resident might. It’s important to note that the GHIC doesn’t guarantee completely free dental care, and it certainly won’t cover elective treatments.

To avoid surprise expenses, it’s wise to have travel insurance that includes dental coverage, especially if you think you might need more than just emergency care while you're away.

If you discover your GHIC has expired right before your trip, there’s no need to panic. While you won’t be able to get a new card overnight, there is an alternative option available. You can  request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

This temporary document offers the same healthcare access as the GHIC in participating countries, covering necessary treatment under the public healthcare system. You’ll likely need to provide details such as your travel dates, personal information, and evidence of your card’s expiry.

Keep in mind, the PRC only helps with essential medical care and won’t take the place of full travel insurance, which can protect you in broader situations like cancellations, lost belongings, or private healthcare. It’s always smart to have both, especially when last-minute surprises come up.

When your GHIC card runs out, it no longer provides access to state-funded healthcare during your travels in eligible countries. This means you won’t be able to use it to receive medical treatment abroad under the same conditions as local citizens.

To stay protected, it’s important to renew your card before it expires. Applying in advance of any travel plans ensures there’s enough time for the new card to arrive by post.

Remember, if you’re already abroad and only realise your GHIC has expired, you can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which serves as a temporary backup. But to avoid the stress, keeping your GHIC up to date is the best option. This is where our service comes in as we keep you alerted before your GHIC expires so you can ensure you are always covered.