The free travel card that could save Brits hundreds of pounds on European holidays
Brits planning a European trip this coming summer should obtain a free card that could save them hundreds or even thousands of pounds. The pass entitles holders to free or subsidised medical care whilst abroad.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which succeeded the former European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), represents a crucial item for holidaymakers. Whilst comprehensive travel insurance remains highly recommended for all those venturing abroad, the GHIC enables people to access state healthcare provisions throughout much of Europe.
As stated on the NHS website: "The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country.
"This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay."
Those possessing a current EHIC can continue using it until it expires. Following that, obtaining a fresh GHIC becomes necessary.
Bear in mind that your GHIC's postal delivery could require up to 15 days, making it wise to submit your application well before your planned departure date.
How to apply
Every UK resident qualifies for a UK GHIC, with the option to include family members in a single application. During the application process, you'll need to supply:
- Your name
- Home address
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Health and Care number (for Northern Ireland residents)
Travellers should bear in mind that every individual requires their own separate card. Your application may encompass your spouse and offspring during the submission procedure.
To commence, please provide your personal information as requested before applying for additional cards.
Should you need to add further family members following your initial application, get in touch with the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services, ensuring you supply them with your unique reference number, complete name, date of birth, and present address to enable them to locate your records swiftly.
Anticipate receiving an email from the NHS within 24 hours of lodging your application, confirming its acceptance or rejection (and do remember to check your junk mail folder). They may request supplementary information or documents before approval.
Where to use your cardShould you find yourself overseas without having obtained your card and require urgent medical care, you may apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to provide coverage temporarily.
Use your card to obtain essential state-funded healthcare whilst abroad, which cannot be postponed until your return to the UK – typically known as "medically necessary healthcare". This encompasses:
- Emergencies and A&E admissions
- Management or standard care for ongoing or pre-existing conditions
- Routine maternity care, provided you're not travelling with the intention of giving birth
It's crucial to organise specific treatments such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy with healthcare providers in the destination country, as local services may not always be equipped to accommodate these needs.
The judgement on whether treatment is medically necessary is made by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.
State-provided healthcare isn't always free outside of the UK. You might have to pay for treatments that are free on the NHS if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting.
Before travelling, it's recommended to research the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you might incur.
You can find information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting by checking the relevant country guide on GOV.UK.
However, a GHIC (or EHIC) card does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:
- Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK)
- Treatment in a private medical facility
- Ski or mountain rescue
Therefore, the NHS advises securing private travel and medical insurance for the entirety of your trip. A UK GHIC can be utilised when visiting:
- A nation within the European Economic Area (EEA)
- Montenegro
- Australia
- Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
- St Helena, Tristan and Ascension
If you belong to one of the following categories, you can use a UK GHIC:
- A British national
- A Swiss national
- An EU citizen
- A refugee
- A stateless person
- A family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses
The UK government is currently negotiating with various countries to expand the scope of the UK GHIC, so it's always prudent to confirm coverage before embarking on your journey. For more information, visit the NHS website here.
Daily Express
