Apply for Free Healthcare Cover Abroad (GHIC and EHIC)
Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)
There are 2 types of cover available.
You can apply for either:
- a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC)
- a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement
Find out more about the Withdrawal Agreement on gov.uk/
For most people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.
Apply for a new UK EHIC or UK GHIC
A UK GHIC and new UK EHIC are free of charge. Beware of unofficial websites, they may charge you a fee to apply.
Before going abroad, make sure you check the latest COVID-19 travel guidance on gov.uk/.
I have an EHIC card somewhere, but I honestly never used it (thankfully because I didn't need). I'll apply for this one as you never know if you'll need it.
I read that someone had a broken leg and with the card they charged like £10 in France, but if he had paid the full price it would have been £200~£300. Or something like that.
tumblespots I ended up applying for both cards, not really sure I'll make use of them, but better to have in case I'll ever need.
The U.K. card does admittedly look way nicer than the bland EU one, though.
tumblespots I hope the GHIC card expands to more continents (The Americas, Asia, Australia/NZ) because it's not very "Global" when it only encompasses Europe.
PhilipMarc I doubt it will as it will probably cost the government too much money!
One of my clients was in Spain last week and she had a food poisoning and had to stay in hospital a few days. I applied EHIC before she went on holiday as a travel consultant. It is really helpful sharing - thanks. I highly recommend people who go to Europe for holiday.
Thanks so much for sharing. This will come in handy for any holidays coming up.
The letter that came with the GHIC mentions the card *may* be usable "in some non-EU countries," but as per their website... It's only Europe. Maybe they'll change that (don't get your hopes up).
GHIC and EHIC cards with the shiny British flag look pretty dang nice.
So glad I saw this freebie I totally forgotten to apply for 1 for my future trip I have applied for the GH Card And I will apply for the other 1 as well as per comments have said - no harm having both and as the cards are for free it's a a no brainer hopefully one of us will ever have to use them peace of mind knowing that we have them in case
Think my other card is the old type, do they go out of date ?? If they do I would appreciate both
MissNiss You need to click on the blue 'GET FREEBIE' button at the top of the page. That will take you to the page where you can apply.
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