What is a GHIC card?

Key takeaways 

• GHIC stands for Global Health Insurance Card and replaced the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) after Brexit 

• The GHIC is free and provides cover for emergency and medically necessary healthcare when in the European Union, and a number of other countries, on a temporary stay

• Despite the name, the GHIC is not technically insurance so it’s advisable to take out travel insurance too

What is a GHIC? 

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitles you to necessary medical treatment at state-run hospitals and medical centres in Europe, and some other countries, on the same terms as locals. 

It replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit, and if you’re a UK resident you can apply for it free of charge.  

A GHIC does not replace travel insurance cover. When you go to Europe, it’s advisable to have both a GHIC and travel insurance. 

What does the GHIC cover me for? 

GHIC treatment usually covers: 

• Emergency treatment and visits to A&E  

• Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions 

• Routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth  

• Oxygen and kidney dialysis, but this must be arranged before you travel

💡 Top tip: Holding an EHIC or GHIC doesn’t mean all healthcare will be free. Some countries charge their citizens a small amount for state healthcare, which means you’ll need to pay too. 

What doesn’t a GHIC cover me for? 

A GHIC won’t cover you in the same way as comprehensive travel insurance. It doesn’t cover:

• Any medical treatment at a private hospital  

• Ski or mountain rescue

• Repatriation

• Holiday cancellation

• Flight delays

• Baggage loss

• Stolen passports

Not all state healthcare is free in the EU either and you may have to pay for services that you’d get for free on the NHS. But if you have travel insurance you may be able to recoup these costs.  

Where can I use a GHIC?

The following 27 EU countries are all covered by the GHIC:  

In addition, you can also use a GHIC in: 

• Montenegro 

• Australia 

• Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man 

• St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

• Switzerland - provided you’re a UK or Swiss national or meet other conditions

• Iceland

• Liechtenstein

The following French Overseas Territories also accept the GHIC:

• Martinique

• Mayotte

• Guadeloupe

• Réunion

• French Guiana

• Saint-Martin

Do I need a GHIC if my EHIC is valid? 

No, you can use your EHIC until it expires.  

📣 Did you know? Almost two million EHICs, GHICs, and UK EHICs expire in 2025, according to data obtained under a Freedom of Information request to NHS Business Services Authority.

How do I get a free GHIC?  

To apply for a free GHIC, you’ll need to visit the official NHS website. 

💡 Top tip: Beware of so-called ‘copycat’ websites that charge you money for applying for a GHIC, or checking, forwarding or fast-tracking your application. These sites have no value at all but often appear at the top of Google searches. 

Am I eligible for a GHIC? 

You will need to be a legal resident of the UK to apply for a GHIC. If you have healthcare provided by an EU country or from Switzerland, you won’t be eligible.  

When should I apply for a GHIC? 

• You can apply for up to nine months before your existing card expires (the expiry date is shown on the card)

• As a minimum, you should apply 15 working days before you travel or you might not receive your card in time and you’ll have to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC)

How do I apply for a GHIC?  

• Visit the official website to start your GHIC application

• Enter some personal details, including your full name, date of birth, address, and National Insurance or NHS number

•  Add any family members you want to apply on behalf of too such as your partner or children

• You won’t need to make a payment

• After you’ve submitted your application you should receive an email within 24 hours to let you know if it’s been approved or not or whether additional documents are needed

• Once approved you should get your card within 15 working days in the post

How long is my GHIC valid for? 

The GHIC lasts five years from the date of issue. You can find the expiry date on the bottom right-hand side of the card.

Do I need a GHIC for my family? 

Every family member will need their own GHIC. Parents or carers of those aged under 16 can apply for one on their behalf.  

You can add family members, including your spouse or partner:

• When filling in your application

• By contacting the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services, if you’ve already submitted it

Do I need a GHIC if I live in the UK but I’m not a UK national? 

You need to check whether you’re eligible for a GHIC or a new UK-issued EHIC instead.

Other nationals can apply for a GHIC but will have to provide proof of UK residency. More information on how to do this can be found on the NHS website.  

💡 Top tip: A UK EHIC doesn’t cover as many countries as the GHIC.

You can use a UK EHIC in:

• The 27 EU countries

• Iceland

• Liechtenstein

• Norway

• Switzerland (in certain circumstances)

Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC? 

Yes, the GHIC only covers you for state medical provision and you may still have to contribute towards the costs.  That’s why you should also take out a travel insurance policy. This will also provide cover for:

• Repatriation

• Private treatment

• Trip cancellation

• Theft or loss of your belongings  

If your policy includes end supplier failure cover, you are also covered in case the holiday company goes bust.  

🚩 Some insurers will insist you have a GHIC or EHIC – or your policy won’t pay out for medical costs in countries that accept the health cards.

How can I get a good deal on my travel insurance?

 It’s quick and easy to buy travel insurance but it’s crucial to compare costs, which you can do with MoneySuperMarket. Read our travel insurance guide to learn more.   

What happens if I don’t have my GHIC with me? 

If you’ve travelled to Europe without your GHIC or EHIC (if, for example, your GHIC hasn’t arrived in time for your trip), you can get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to healthcare.  You'll need to apply for a PRC by calling NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on +44 (0)191 218 1999. If you need it outside opening hours, you should call as soon as possible the next working day.

The PRC will give you the same cover as an EHIC or GHIC until you return home. You'll need to provide:  

• Your name  

• Your address  

• Your date of birth  

• Your National Insurance number  

• The name of the hospital  

• The email address for the department providing your treatment  

Can I use a GHIC if I'm pregnant? 

If you are pregnant and need routine or emergency treatment while in the EU, you can use a GHIC. However, it doesn’t apply if you’ve specifically gone abroad to have your baby.  

What if I'm asked to pay upfront or my GHIC is refused?  

In some countries, you’ll be expected to pay for the medical treatment upfront then apply for reimbursement. If this happens, make sure you keep all the paperwork. In others, treatment won’t be free, and you’ll need to make a non-refundable contribution to your care.

If you have a valid GHIC you have the right to insist it is accepted. If your card is refused you should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services to claim a refund.  

What do I need to apply for a GHIC card? 

You will need to create an account and log-in at the UK government website. You can then apply for a GHIC for yourself, your partner and any dependents you have. You’ll need to provide the following information:  

• Your full name 

• Your address  

• Your date of birth 

• Your National Insurance or NHS number in England and Wales, your CHI number in Scotland, or your Health and Care number in Northern Ireland  

If you need a replacement GHIC because your card is lost, stolen or damaged, you should email nhsbsa.ghicenquiries@nhs.net. 

What if I want to travel and I don’t have a GHIC? 

You don't need a GHIC to travel, but it's always a good idea to apply for a GHIC if you don't have one. It’s straightforward and free to apply.  

Is there a difference between the EHIC, GHIC and E111? 

The E111 form is no longer in use. It was replaced first by the EHIC and then by the GHIC for most UK residents.