Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Alongside arranging travel insurance, make sure you carry a GHIC card whenever you travel to stay protected abroad.
What is a Global Health Insurance Card?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) enables eligible individuals who are legally and ordinarily resident in the UK to access medically necessary state healthcare while visiting countries in the European Economic Area (EEA) and a few other specified destinations.
The GHIC has replaced the older European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you still have a valid EHIC, you can continue using it until it expires. After that, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC.
The GHIC is free for eligible UK residents and provides access to essential healthcare abroad on the same terms as local citizens in participating countries. However, it’s important to note that the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance, which can cover additional medical costs and other travel-related issues.
Who Can Apply for a GHIC and Where Is It Valid?
UK residents who are ordinarily and legally living in the UK are eligible to apply for a GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card). The GHIC provides access to necessary state healthcare when travelling temporarily to countries within the European Economic Area (EEA).
In addition to EEA countries, the GHIC also covers certain other destinations, including:
Montenegro
Australia
Jersey
Guernsey
Isle of Man
St Helena
Tristan
Ascension
Healthcare in Switzerland:
You can use your GHIC in Switzerland if you are a British citizen, Swiss national, EU citizen, refugee, stateless person, or a family member of someone with one of these nationalities or protected statuses.
If you currently hold a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), you can continue using it until it expires. Once it does, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to maintain healthcare access while travelling.
What Healthcare Does the GHIC Entitle You to?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to access state-provided healthcare in participating countries on the same terms as local residents. This means treatment may be free, or you may need to pay a reduced cost, just like a citizen of the country you’re visiting. The GHIC does not cover private healthcare services.
The card covers “medically necessary healthcare”, which refers to treatment that cannot reasonably be delayed until you return to the UK. This includes:
Emergency medical treatment
A&E (Accident & Emergency) visits
Routine care for pre-existing or chronic conditions
Maternity care, provided you are not travelling specifically to give birth
The decision on whether care is considered medically necessary is made by the healthcare provider in the country where you’re receiving treatment.
Why you Still Need Travel Insurance With a GHIC:
While the GHIC (or a valid EHIC) is valuable for accessing state healthcare abroad, it’s important to remember that it does not replace travel insurance.
The GHIC does not cover:
Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK)
Private healthcare treatment
Specialist services such as mountain rescue or ski-related emergencies
That’s why it’s strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance in addition to your GHIC. Travel insurance can cover costs that the GHIC cannot, including cancellations, lost luggage, and private or emergency transport services.
In short, the GHIC is a helpful supplement – but not a substitute for travel insurance.
How To Apply for a GHIC:
Applying for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is free and straightforward. The card is valid for up to 5 years and is available to eligible UK residents.
To apply, visit the official NHS website. Be cautious of unofficial websites that may charge unnecessary fees for processing your application.
Click here to apply for your GHIC online.
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FAQs
Some of our most frequently asked questions about travel insurance.
Who is eligible to purchase cover with OK To Travel?
Our travel insurance products are available to permanent UK residents who are registered with a GP in the UK. Some of our products can also cover residents of the Channel Islands or Isle of Man.
You need to be fit to travel at the time of purchasing travel insurance cover.
Do you have any age limits?
No, there’s no upper age limit for travel insurance with OK To Travel branded products, whether it’s a Single Trip or an Annual Multi-Trip policy. However, the maximum permitted duration of your trip may vary depending on your age.
We also offer other products with different age limits; you’ll only see those suitable for your needs when you get a quote.
How will I receive my policy documents?
If you arrange your travel insurance online, your documents will be emailed to you immediately. If you call us to arrange it, we will ask for an email address and send the documents over at the end of the call.
We will also text you the policy reference and emergency assistance number, so you will always have easy access to these, wherever you are in the world.
If technology is not your thing, you can ask to receive your documents in the post. If you have any problems retrieving your documents, please call us.
