My guide to the GHIC:

5 key questions answered

1. What is the GHIC?

The UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you access to state healthcare, such as emergency treatment at A&E or standard treatment for a long term medical condition, in a European Union country or Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

It has replaced the well know European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme, but if you still have an EHIC you can use it until the expiry date on the card.

If your EHIC has expired you'll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.

2. How can I get a GHIC?

You can apply for and get a GHIC on the UK NHS website.

It's free, so beware of any unofficial sites which try and charge you.

Apply for a GHIC from the NHS >>>

3. Where can I use my GHIC?

You can use your GHIC in Switzerland and any European Union country, which are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

4. Do I still need travel insurance?

Yes!

The GHIC is very useful, but it is not a substitute for a quality travel insurance policy like those provided by Explorer Travel Insurance

Your GHIC may not cover all your health costs and will never cover the cost of bringing you back to the UK (known as repatriation) if you need assistance with your return travel home.

Travel insurance will also provide cover for other events like having to cancel your holiday due to illness, or your luggage being lost or stolen.

5. If I have travel insurance why should I get a GHIC?

It's normal for travel insurance to have a policy excess, which is the first amount of any claim that you will be liable for.

For example, if the policy excess is £100, you will need to cover the first £100 of any claim, so if you only need minor treatment by using your GHIC you won't have to pay very much (or none at all) while you are on holiday.

Also, if you have a long term or pre-existing medical condition for which you need routine care, this won't be covered by travel insurance as your policy is designed to cover unexpected emergencies only. So, your GHIC can potentially cover treatments such as oxygen therapy or dialysis - but please note this should always be arranged in advance of your trip.

I hope this information is helpful, but if you have any questions feel free to contact me