Opening Times
Picture this: you’re strolling through a bustling Spanish market, picking out fresh fruit for a beach picnic – when suddenly, your day takes an unexpected turn. A slip, a stumble, and you’re wondering what happens next.
That’s where the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) quietly steps in.
It’s not the most glamorous item on your packing list, but it might just be one of the most important. Designed for UK travellers visiting Europe, the GHIC gives you access to state-provided healthcare – helping you get the treatment you need, when you need it.
What is the GHIC?
The GHIC replaced the EHIC for most UK travellers and allows you to access healthcare in the EU as if you were a resident of that country.
That means treatment could be free or significantly reduced in cost, depending on local rules. However, just like residents, you may still need to pay for some services that would be free on the NHS.
The good news? It’s completely free to apply and can save you money if you need medical care abroad.
If you already have a valid EHIC, you can continue to use it until it expires.
What does the GHIC cover?
Think of the GHIC as covering the essentials – the care you can’t delay until you’re back home.
It includes:
- Emergency treatment, including A&E visits
- Care for pre-existing medical conditions
- Routine maternity care during your trip
- Oxygen therapy or dialysis (if arranged in advance)
- Prescription medication
- Any medically necessary treatment during your stay
You’ll be treated at the same cost as a local resident, so if they pay, you pay. If it’s free for them, it’s free for you.
Important reminder: The GHIC does not cover travelling abroad specifically for medical treatment.
Where can you use your GHIC?
Your GHIC is valid across all 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland and Norway, so it travels just as well as you do.
It’s there in the background, ready if you need it. Even if your plans take you a little further off the beaten path, you’ll still be able to access state healthcare along the way.
Who can apply for the GHIC?
Most UK residents covered by the UK social security system are eligible.
You can usually apply if you:
- Live in the UK
- Are registered with a GP
- Pay National Insurance or receive UK benefits
- Have the right to remain in the UK
Applying takes just minutes, but make sure you use the official NHS website. Some third-party sites charge unnecessary fees, and there’s no way to fast-track your application.
How to apply for a GHIC
Applying is straightforward. You’ll need to provide:
- Your full name and address
- Date of birth
- National Insurance or NHS number (England and Wales)
- CHI number (Scotland) or Health and Care number (Northern Ireland)
Once approved, your card is typically valid for five years.
GHIC vs travel insurance: what’s the difference?
Here’s where many travellers get caught out. While the GHIC is incredibly useful, it doesn’t cover everything, so travel insurance fills in the gaps.
| Area of cover | What the GHIC covers | What travel insurance covers |
| Medical treatment | State-provided healthcare only | Private and state medical care |
| Medical emergencies | Emergency treatment (e.g. A&E) | Emergency treatment + full cost cover |
| Pre-existing conditions | Medically necessary care | Covered if declared and accepted |
| Treatment costs | Treatment at local resident rates | Covers costs in full (within policy limits) |
| Getting you home | ❌ | Emergency repatriation to the UK |
| Trip cancellation | ❌ | Cancelling your trip before departure |
| Belongings | ❌ | Lost or stolen baggage |
| Travel disruption | ❌ | Delays and missed departures |
Why travel insurance still matters
Even with a GHIC in your wallet, unexpected costs can add up quickly. That’s why having European travel insurance alongside your GHIC gives you a much wider safety net.
With InsureandGo, you’ll benefit from:
- Cover for private medical treatment
- Emergency repatriation if you need to return home
- Protection for cancellations, delays, and missed departures
- Cover for lost or stolen belongings
- 24/7 emergency assistance from a team that can liaise directly with medical professionals
And here’s a helpful tip: If you use your GHIC when receiving treatment, you may reduce or even avoid paying your insurance excess.
Ready to travel stress-free?
A GHIC is a smart (and free) way to access healthcare across Europe, but it’s only part of the picture. From unexpected cancellations to getting you home safely, travel insurance fills in the gaps so you’re covered at every step.
So before you zip up your suitcase, make sure you’ve got both in place. Because when you know you’re protected, you can focus on what really matters – soaking up the sights, trying something new, and enjoying every moment of your trip.
