You can use your card to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland, medically necessary healthcare means healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK.
Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)
I recently applied for mine and came within 10 working days (they quote 15 working days). Something to bear in mind if going on holiday.
Your EHIC or GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs.
Who can apply for a UK GHIC
You may be eligible for a UK GHIC if you meet 1 of the following criteria:
- you're legally living in the UK and you do not have healthcare cover provided by an EU country or Switzerland
- you're living in the EU or Switzerland with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
- you're living in the EU or Switzerland with an A1 document which is issued by the UK
- you're a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed
How to use your GHIC card
You can use your card to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland.
Medically necessary healthcare means healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK. Whether treatment is necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.
Medically necessary healthcare includes things like:
- emergency treatment and visits to A&E
- treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition
- routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
- routine maternity care
- oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis
You'll need to pre-arrange some treatments with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you're visiting – for example, kidney dialysis or chemotherapy.
If you have an existing EHIC
If you have an existing EHIC, it will remain valid until the expiry date on the card. You can apply for a new card up to 6 months before your current card expires.
Related discussions / useful links
","comment":[{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50188939","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"slaha11"},"datePublished":"2023-05-16T10:23:11.000Z","text":"Really easy process, just fill the basic details like name, address etc, and it comes via post. You don't need to send anything to them, no credit/debit card details, and it's free.
So, no reason to be lazy "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50196532","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ChewingtheCrud"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T11:48:20.000Z","text":"Note that the important word is 'free'. Never pay for one of these, if you are asked for payment by getting onto a site by using a Google Search, it is a scam!"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50189091","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"slaha11"},"datePublished":"2023-05-16T10:48:32.000Z","text":"By the way, the card has a validity of 5 years, if you are wondering.
Also provides some support even in Australia!
servicesaustralia.gov.au/rec…481"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50196491","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mehdi.tlili"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T11:42:00.000Z","text":"You should get an EHIC card if possible and not GHIC
nhsbsa.nhs.uk/get…ard"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50199429","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"HUKDTony"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T18:42:36.000Z","text":"My mate broke his back in Bulgaria in March and despite having travel insurance the hospital would not give him any pain relief or an x-ray until his partner obtained an emergency EHC online from the UK. Definitely will be getting one before I go away next time."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50199644","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"TiscaliSurvivor"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T19:11:54.000Z","text":"Small print of most travel insurance says they will not cover you ailments covered by this - so critical you get one"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51968645","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"stuart3"},"datePublished":"2024-01-12T17:47:05.000Z","text":"Note: if you are the spouse or otherwise a dependent of an EU citizen you are still eligible to get a EHIC card which also covers Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50195520","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Jonwillis"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T09:27:50.000Z","text":"Took 7 weeks for these to arrive when I applied back in February"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50190607","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"joyf4536"},"datePublished":"2023-05-16T14:18:19.000Z","text":"One of these will also cover the insurance requirement when applying for (at least some) EU long stay tourist visas."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50197223","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"bigbadwolves"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T13:46:26.000Z","text":"The use of this card may also allow you to avoid paying your travel insurance excess for some insurance policies in some scenarios as you are reducing the cost to them. Check your policy"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50195457","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"fubuki81"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T09:17:41.000Z","text":"If you don't get it after 2 weeks, contact them on twitter. Another week to exchange messages, one per day, and they will reissue it."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50196312","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Pinksparkles1973"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T11:17:45.000Z","text":"My Son goes to America in Aug for his 3rd year at Uni, is this any good to have in place? Thanks x"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50200008","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Ali_Boro"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T20:03:06.000Z","text":"Is this needed even if you have a worldwide travel insurance policy"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51970668","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mikesloper"},"datePublished":"2024-01-12T22:40:25.000Z","text":"I needed to use the hospital is Spain. I still had the old EHIC but it had expired. Weirdly they didn't care. I pointed it out but no questions asked."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51974169","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"montblanc"},"datePublished":"2024-01-13T14:24:40.000Z","text":"\"The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.\" So what is it for then? Does it cover anything that medical insurance doesn't or is it just the bare minimum if you don't want to spend £30 extra on your holiday?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50196881","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"shivclicks1"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T12:47:17.000Z","text":"Thanks.... Just applied...I got the below info after I submitted my application.
What happens next- We will check your residency in the UK. This is not a credit check and will not affect your credit score in any way.
- We will also check to see if you have settled or pre-settled EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) Status. If your right to reside in the UK is based on something else, such as Indefinite Leave to Remain, we will ask you for evidence of this.
- If we need additional information to process your application, we will contact you again by email.
- We will email you again when your application has been processed.
Important:Travel insuranceYour UK GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs. Make sure you have travel insurance as well as your card."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50210547","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"razam"},"datePublished":"2023-05-19T11:15:49.000Z","text":"So this GLOBAL card only covers europe :/"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50219653","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Chicken_KFC"},"datePublished":"2023-05-20T20:30:25.000Z","text":"Wait is this not free anyway for UK resident GHIC"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50224524","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Good4you"},"datePublished":"2023-05-21T19:16:22.000Z","text":"Tried to use one of these last year in Spain (Torremolinos) and it was refused. The clinic staff kept pointing out a picture of the EHIC card as the only acceptable card. We had used this public clinic in the past with the EHIC card with no problem and no cost."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50375502","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"idkwmpsb"},"datePublished":"2023-06-14T12:40:48.000Z","text":"Anyone know what to do if you lose this. I tried applying for a new one but was told I already have one! Anyone able to shed some light or been here before?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50376484","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"JayGatsby"},"datePublished":"2023-06-14T15:10:44.000Z","text":"We wouldn’t have been able to get this without Brexit! Aren’t we lucky?! "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50380341","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"bigbadwolves"},"datePublished":"2023-06-15T07:16:42.000Z","text":"This is NOT a backup for travel insurance which fully covers your trip and needs. Showing this card for treatment with some insurers may mean they wave your excess."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51978188","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Tushar_SB"},"datePublished":"2024-01-14T08:31:14.000Z","text":"I thought it is stopped after. Brexit"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50201093","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Hotter"},"datePublished":"2023-05-17T23:17:19.000Z","text":"Covers less countries than the EHIC (eu version) it replaces. Be careful! No longer covers popular destinations like Iceland."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50211304","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"suzaylogan"},"datePublished":"2023-05-19T13:07:40.000Z","text":"Went to Lanzarote a couple of weeks ago, my partner and I took these with us. His asthma flared up and needed to go to hospital 3 times. Gave the hospital/clinic receptionist passport and GHIC card, he got nebulisers etc and didn't cost a penny bc of the card. Otherwise it would have cost money and would need to claim it back. Definitely worth ordering."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50502773","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"RickSanchez"},"datePublished":"2023-07-03T18:16:01.000Z","text":"I have £10m of cover through Lloyds, is there any point in me/my partner getting these?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50378486","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted1945554"},"datePublished":"2023-06-14T20:02:37.000Z","text":"Does this cover cosmetic surgery? "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50218515","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"joyf4536"},"datePublished":"2023-05-20T16:43:02.000Z","text":"This post has obviously been useful for a number of people but the question needs to be asked, WHY does everyone NOT already know about this.
For us it is as automatic as checking our passport and driving licence is in date."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50374582","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"DLatimer"},"datePublished":"2023-06-14T10:31:43.000Z","text":"Thanks for this post. Didn't realise there was even a replacement for the EHIC since leaving Europe, good to know. Just checked my EHIC and it runs out in September, so I will diary to renew this nearer the time."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51969897","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"cycleman"},"datePublished":"2024-01-12T20:40:28.000Z","text":"I had a night in hospital in Italy and it covered everything except the food, the hospital service and treatment was top notch though."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51973358","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"TiscaliSurvivor"},"datePublished":"2024-01-13T12:22:03.000Z","text":"If you dont get one your travel insurer will not cover for anything it should cover - so be warned"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51974464","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"DoublePortingDad"},"datePublished":"2024-01-13T15:14:18.000Z","text":"Do I really need this? Never heard of it before. If I get this right, you can always apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to get temporary cover."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51974585","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"wantsomepls"},"datePublished":"2024-01-13T15:34:04.000Z","text":"Thanks,
This post prompted me to apply. A younger relative recently suffered an unexpected stroke while on holiday in The Canaries and received excellent emergency treatment under his GHIC card. A must for travellers in Europe."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51975541","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"jklfgh"},"datePublished":"2024-01-13T17:56:59.000Z","text":"We had a small incident in Ireland requiring A&e.
they asked for our EHIC, which we had, but must have misrecorded the number as they said there was an issue with it in a letter later.
we were billed for nearly 100 Euro but phoned and repeated the number which then worked.
so worth having one of these cards for trips to EU definitely, otherwise they will bill you!"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51975740","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"joyf4536"},"datePublished":"2024-01-13T18:33:00.000Z","text":"Hubby used this in France after being bitten by the shears in the garden. Went to A&E (parked for free just outside the door just like in Britain) and we presented the card (said sorry about the Union Flag background) and got charged about £20 instead of £100 the same as a local, although they probably had insurance for the balance. Basically it's an EHIC card (in EU countries) but with a silly Union flag background. Just Boorish being pathetic, like changing the GB plates to UK on the back of your car, at your cost."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50205894","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"sweet_mee"},"datePublished":"2023-05-18T17:02:39.000Z","text":"What about babies who dont have ni number yet"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50206679","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"WelshTony1"},"datePublished":"2023-05-18T19:04:34.000Z","text":"How is this a deal? It's always been free!"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50209391","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"blondi1"},"datePublished":"2023-05-19T08:41:23.000Z","text":"Do you need these for kids? My husband and I already have a card so it won’t let me apply for a new one and add the kids? I also tried to say it was lost to get a new one and again there’s no way to add the children? Am I missing something "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50374265","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"TypicalAsianFindingDeals"},"datePublished":"2023-06-14T09:48:43.000Z","text":"I've got a holiday planned for Tuesday next week. Will I get the card by then?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/50374474","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"cheapasch1ps"},"datePublished":"2023-06-14T10:18:19.000Z","text":"Does it work in Balearic & Canary islands??"}],"commentCount":289,"interactionStatistic":147,"articleSection":"Permanent Offers"}