GHIC vs EHIC — what changed after Brexit
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gave UK residents access to state healthcare across the EU and EEA. After Brexit, new UK applications issue a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead. If you still hold an EHIC issued before the switch, it remains valid until the printed expiry date — check the card rather than assuming you need an immediate replacement.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gave UK residents access to state healthcare across the EU and EEA. After Brexit, new UK applications issue a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead. If you still hold an EHIC issued before the switch, it remains valid until the printed expiry date — check the card rather than assuming you need an immediate replacement.
GHIC covers medically necessary treatment during temporary stays in EU member states and also applies in Switzerland under bilateral arrangements (with conditions). Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein participation differs from the old EHIC — verify the current country list on NHS.uk before travel outside the EU core.
Each traveller needs their own card, including children. GHIC is free — apply only through NHS.uk. Copycat websites charging for applications or fast-track services are unnecessary and should be avoided.
What GHIC actually covers abroad
GHIC lets you use state-provided healthcare in participating countries on the same basis as locally insured residents — sometimes free, sometimes at a reduced patient charge. Emergency A&E, urgent GP visits for sudden illness, and some prescribed medicines may qualify; elective treatment, cosmetic care, and private hospitals do not.
GHIC lets you use state-provided healthcare in participating countries on the same basis as locally insured residents — sometimes free, sometimes at a reduced patient charge. Emergency A&E, urgent GP visits for sudden illness, and some prescribed medicines may qualify; elective treatment, cosmetic care, and private hospitals do not.
Healthcare systems vary by country. You may need to pay upfront and claim reimbursement, or present the card only at public facilities. GHIC covers medically necessary care regardless of pre-existing conditions in participating countries, but travel insurance may still exclude undeclared conditions unless you complete a medical screening.
GHIC has no application to the USA, Canada, Australia, or most non-European destinations. Medical bills in the United States routinely exceed £100,000 without insurance — a GHIC offers zero protection there.
Why travel insurance is still mandatory
Travel insurance fills the gaps GHIC leaves: emergency private treatment where no state facility is available, medical repatriation to the UK, trip cancellation and curtailment, baggage loss, personal liability, and airline failure cover on some policies. GHIC is a complement to insurance, never a substitute.
Travel insurance fills the gaps GHIC leaves: emergency private treatment where no state facility is available, medical repatriation to the UK, trip cancellation and curtailment, baggage loss, personal liability, and airline failure cover on some policies. GHIC is a complement to insurance, never a substitute.
Buy insurance as soon as you book non-refundable flights — cancellation cover starts from policy inception. Match cancellation limits to your total non-refundable spend including flights, hotels, and excursions. Declare your GHIC when buying cover; some insurers lower the medical excess as a result.
Packaged UK bank accounts sometimes include travel insurance with age caps (often 70–80) and activity exclusions. Read the policy document — bundled cover may be adequate for a simple EU beach trip but inadequate for skiing, cruises, or USA travel.
Applying and renewing
Apply free at NHS.uk using your National Insurance number and passport details. Cards arrive by post within a few weeks — apply well before departure. Renew before expiry; expired cards are not valid at hospitals or border checks.
Apply free at NHS.uk using your National Insurance number and passport details. Cards arrive by post within a few weeks — apply well before departure. Renew before expiry; expired cards are not valid at hospitals or border checks.
Keep a photo of your GHIC or EHIC on your phone as backup, but carry the physical card when possible. Some providers still expect to see the card itself before treating you under reciprocal arrangements.