Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

Global Health Insurance Card

Travel responsibly by securing travel insurance and keeping your GHIC card with you for safe, worry-free journeys.

In this guide:

 

  • What is a GHIC?
  • Who can apply for a GHIC?
  • What does a GHIC entitle you to?
  • Why do you need travel insurance as well as a GHIC?
  • How do I apply for a GHIC?
One Tree Travel GHIC

What is a GHIC?

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free card for UK residents that helps you get essential healthcare when you’re travelling temporarily in the European Economic Area (EEA) and a few other countries. It’s all about travelling responsibly and staying safe without wasting resources.

 

The GHIC replaced the older European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you already have an EHIC, you can keep using it until it expires - then you’ll need to switch to the GHIC.

 

Think of the GHIC as a smart way to get state healthcare abroad, just like locals do. But remember, it’s not a travel insurance replacement - you still need travel insurance to cover everything else. Stay covered, travel sustainably, and enjoy your adventures worry-free!



Who can get a GHIC?

If you live and have legal residency in the UK, you can apply for a GHIC - a free card that gives you access to essential healthcare while you’re travelling temporarily in the European Economic Area (EEA).

It also works in other places like:

 

  • Montenegro
  • Australia
  • Jersey
  • Guernsey
  • Isle of Man
  • St Helena
  • Tristan 
  • Ascension

 

For Switzerland, the GHIC covers British, Swiss, EU citizens, refugees, stateless people, and their families.

If you already have an EHIC, you can keep using it until it expires — then switch to the GHIC. Stay covered, travel responsibly, and help protect the planet on your adventures!


What does a GHIC cover?

A GHIC gives you access to state healthcare in the country you’re visiting, just like a local. This means some treatments may be free, or you’ll pay the same as residents, but it only covers public healthcare, not private services.

 

It’s for medically necessary healthcare  treatments you can’t wait to have until you’re back home. This includes emergency care, A&E visits, ongoing treatment for long-term conditions, and routine maternity care (but not if you’re travelling just to give birth).

 

Local healthcare providers decide what counts as medically necessary. Travel responsibly and keep yourself covered while protecting the planet!


Why you need travel insurance aswell as a GHIC

A GHIC is great for accessing state healthcare abroad, but it doesn’t cover everything. It won’t pay for things like being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation), private medical treatment, or rescue services like ski or mountain rescue.

 

That’s why it’s super important to have both a GHIC (or EHIC) and travel insurance when you travel. The GHIC helps with essential healthcare, but travel insurance covers the rest - keeping you fully protected while you explore responsibly.


How to apply for a GHIC

Getting your GHIC is easy, free, and valid for up to 5 years. Make sure to apply only through the official NHS website - don’t fall for unofficial sites that may charge you.

 

The GHIC lets eligible UK residents access necessary state healthcare abroad on the same terms as locals. But remember, it’s not a replacement for travel insurance.

 

Travel smart, stay protected, and apply for your GHIC the right way!