- The UK GHIC is free and gives access to necessary state healthcare in the EU and some other countries on the same basis as locals
- It doesn't cover private treatment, repatriation or ski and mountain rescue
- You still need travel insurance, ideally with winter sports cover for skiing
- Apply only on the official NHS website; unofficial sites charge a fee
If you're heading to Europe, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is one of the most useful things in your wallet, and it's free. But it's also widely misunderstood. It isn't travel insurance, it doesn't cover everything, and it doesn't work everywhere.
Here's a clear guide to what the GHIC does, where it works and why you still need proper travel insurance, based on official NHS guidance.
What is the UK GHIC?
The UK GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK residents after Brexit. It lets you get medically necessary state healthcare in the countries it covers, on the same basis as a resident of that country. That care may be free, or you may have to pay the same contribution a local would pay.
If you still have a valid UK EHIC, you can keep using it until it expires. Some people with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement can apply for a new UK EHIC instead of a GHIC.
Where can you use the GHIC?
According to the NHS, you can use a UK GHIC in:
- All countries in the European Economic Area (EEA): the 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
- Switzerland, if you're a British, Swiss or EU national (or one of a few other groups)
- Montenegro (emergency treatment)
- Australia
- Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
- St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension
It's not valid in many popular destinations, including the USA, Turkey, the UAE and Andorra. For those you'll need travel insurance with good medical cover. See our Istanbul first-timers guide, Dubai stopover guide and New York on a budget.
What the GHIC covers
The card covers state healthcare that can't reasonably wait until you get home. This includes:
- Emergency treatment and visits to A&E
- Treatment for long-term or pre-existing conditions
- Routine maternity care (but not if you're travelling to give birth)
Some treatments, such as dialysis or chemotherapy, need to be arranged in advance with a healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.
What the GHIC doesn't cover
This is where many travellers get caught out. The GHIC does not cover:
- Private treatment, including private clinics often used in resorts and on cruise ships
- Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK)
- Ski or mountain rescue
- Costs a local resident would also have to pay
| UK GHIC | Travel insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Varies |
| State healthcare in the EU | Yes, on the same basis as locals | Yes, usually covers the gap |
| Private treatment | No | Usually, if medically necessary |
| Repatriation to the UK | No | Yes, on most policies |
| Mountain rescue | No | Only with winter sports cover |
| Cancellation, lost luggage, delays | No | Yes |
| USA, Turkey, UAE | No | Yes |
Why you still need travel insurance
The NHS advises having both a GHIC and private travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Insurance covers the big costs the GHIC doesn't, such as an air ambulance home, plus cancellation, theft and missed flights.
When choosing a policy:
- Declare pre-existing medical conditions, or your cover could be invalid.
- Check the excess and medical cover limits.
- Look at cancellation cover: buy insurance as soon as you book.
- Some insurers waive or reduce the excess if you have a GHIC and use state healthcare in Europe.
Skiing
Standard policies often exclude winter sports. Add winter sports cover that includes mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, ski equipment and piste closure. In Italy, third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement on the slopes. Andorra isn't covered by the GHIC at all. See our ski holiday packing list and best ski resorts for beginners in Europe.
Cruises and expeditions
Onboard medical centres are private, so the GHIC won't help at sea. For polar trips, choose a policy that includes expedition cruising and emergency evacuation from remote areas. See our Antarctica cruise cost guide.
How to apply for a GHIC
The GHIC is free and lasts for up to five years. Apply on the official NHS website; unofficial websites may charge you a fee for the same thing.
You'll need your:
- Full name, address and date of birth
- National Insurance number (or Health and Care number if you're from Northern Ireland)
Every family member needs their own card, and you can add your spouse, civil partner and children to your application. You'll usually hear within 24 hours whether it's approved, and the card should arrive within 15 working days. You can apply for a new card up to nine months before your current card expires.
if you need treatment and forgot your card, or it hasn't arrived yet, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which gives the same cover.
Using your GHIC abroad
- Make sure you're treated by a state healthcare provider, not a private clinic.
- Show your card (or PRC) and passport.
- Keep all receipts. In some countries you pay upfront and claim a refund from the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GHIC free?
Yes. Apply on the official NHS website. Avoid unofficial sites that charge a fee.
Does the GHIC work in Switzerland?
Yes, if you're a British, Swiss or EU national, or in one of a few other eligible groups.
Does the GHIC replace travel insurance?
No. The NHS advises having both. The GHIC doesn't cover private treatment, repatriation or mountain rescue.
Can I still use my old EHIC?
Yes, until the expiry date on the card. After that, apply for a UK GHIC.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
More from AnnaPrices and timetables are a guide and can change. This article contains affiliate links; if you book through one we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How we work.
