Latest news with #EHIC


Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Brits flying to Europe urged to get free card that could save them hundreds
The card provides free or reduced-cost medical treatment while travelling overseas and could save you a lot of money Brits planning a holiday in Europe this summer are being advised to secure a free card that could save them a large sum in potential medical costs. The valuable card allows holders to benefit from free or reduced-cost healthcare while abroad. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which took over from the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is an essential piece of kit for travellers. Although it's still wise to have comprehensive travel insurance, the GHIC provides access to public healthcare services across much of Europe at a reduced cost or even for free. The NHS website states: "The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay." For those who already have an EHIC, it remains valid until its expiry date. Once expired, a new GHIC will need to be obtained. Remember that receiving your GHIC by post can take up to 15 days, so it's advisable to apply well before your intended travel date. How to apply for a GHIC As reported by the Liverpool Echo, all UK residents are eligible for a UK GHIC, and you can include family members within one application. When applying, you'll be required to provide: Your full name Residential address Date of birth National Insurance number Health and Care number (applicable to Northern Ireland residents) Each person needs their own individual card. And you can include your partner and children when submitting your application. Expect to receive confirmation from the NHS within 24 hours of submitting your application, either approving or declining it (and don't forget to check your spam folder). Further details or documents might be required before final approval. However, should you find yourself abroad without your card and need emergency medical treatment, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) for interim cover. Where to use your card Your card enables you to access essential state-provided healthcare while travelling, which cannot be delayed until you return to the UK – commonly referred to as "medically necessary healthcare". This includes: Emergency situations and A&E treatment Ongoing treatment or routine care for chronic or existing medical conditions Standard maternity services, assuming you're not travelling specifically to give birth It's vital to arrange specific treatments such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy with healthcare providers in your destination country, as local services may not always be prepared to cater to these requirements. The decision on whether treatment is medically necessary is determined by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting. State-provided healthcare isn't always complimentary outside of the UK. You might have to pay for treatments that are free on the NHS if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting. Before travelling, it's advised to research the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you might incur. You can find information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting by checking the relevant country guide on However, a GHIC (or EHIC) card does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like: Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK) Treatment in a private medical facility Ski or mountain rescue Therefore, the NHS recommends securing private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip. A UK GHIC can be used when visiting: A nation within the European Economic Area (EEA) Montenegro Australia Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man St Helena, Tristan and Ascension If you belong to one of the following categories, you can use a UK GHIC: A British national A Swiss national An EU citizen A refugee A stateless person A family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses Article continues below The UK government is presently in discussions with numerous countries to broaden the reach of the UK GHIC. Therefore it's always wise to verify coverage prior to setting off on your travels. For further details, visit the NHS website here.


Irish Times
13-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
A large number of issues
Sir– Having mislaid my old European Health Insurance Card, I phoned the relevant HSE office in Bray for a replacement. Online replacement was not possible. As I was unable to quote my old EHIC (20 digit) number, I was advised to visit their office with my passport, plus a paper utility bill. My Public Services Card was not acceptable. I now have six 'unique' ID numbers supplied by the State, plus hospital patient, post code and ESB meter numbers. Surely, within a huge 20 character ID it must be possible to incorporate all of the above (with space for War and Peace)? – Yours, etc, READ MORE LIAM PLUCK, Co Wicklow.


Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Irish holidaymakers urged to stay safe during European heatwave as consular cases rise 11pc in year
It comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to see an increase in Irish people seeking consular assistance overseas. There has been an 11pc rise in the number of consular cases reported to the Department in the first six months of 2025, compared to the same period last year. The continued surge in demand comes at a time of ongoing extreme heat and wildfires across Europe, which might affect travel plans and increase health risks. Tánaiste Simon Harris called on Irish people to stay safe, informed, and connected while travelling abroad this summer. 'Already this year, we have seen a significant increase in consular cases, and while most trips go smoothly, it's clear that many people are encountering difficulties that may be avoided with better preparation or awareness,' Mr Harris said. 'My Department's summer campaign is about empowering our citizens, particularly young people who may be travelling overseas independently for the first time after finishing school or college.' He continued: "With dangerously high temperatures across Europe, I am asking our young people to look out for themselves and each other. "Take the time to note the contact details for the nearest Irish embassy or consulate in the country that you are visiting. Let's prepare and make this summer an unforgettable one for the right reasons.' Travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance, with those travelling within the EU asked to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and to research local laws, culture and customs for the country they are travelling to. Holidaymakers should keep their phones charged and share live locations with friends, especially on a night out, while also staying in touch with one another and with family back home. ADVERTISEMENT Travellers are also advised to watch drinks in clubs and bars, photograph key documents for easy access, and swim only in designated safe areas. Amid the current hot temperatures, people are asked to limit their physical activity to cooler parts of the day and moderate alcohol consumption. Many countries in southern and eastern Europe have been affected by heatwave conditions in recent weeks, with the possibility of further high temperatures over the summer. Exposure to excessive temperatures can cause illness, such as heat stress and heat stroke, particularly among older travellers. People going on holidays are asked to be aware of the weather forecasts for their destination, follow the local heat-health alert advice and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day.


Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Irish holidaymakers urged to stay safe during Eurpean heatwave as consular cases rise 11pc in year
It comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to see an increase in Irish people seeking consular assistance overseas. There has been an 11pc rise in the number of consular cases reported to the Department in the first six months of 2025, compared to the same period last year. The continued surge in demand comes at a time of ongoing extreme heat and wildfires across Europe, which might affect travel plans and increase health risks. Tánaiste Simon Harris called on Irish people to stay safe, informed, and connected while travelling abroad this summer. 'Already this year, we have seen a significant increase in consular cases, and while most trips go smoothly, it's clear that many people are encountering difficulties that may be avoided with better preparation or awareness,' Mr Harris said. 'My Department's summer campaign is about empowering our citizens, particularly young people who may be travelling overseas independently for the first time after finishing school or college.' He continued: "With dangerously high temperatures across Europe, I am asking our young people to look out for themselves and each other. "Take the time to note the contact details for the nearest Irish embassy or consulate in the country that you are visiting. Let's prepare and make this summer an unforgettable one for the right reasons.' Travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance, with those travelling within the EU asked to get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and to research local laws, culture and customs for the country they are travelling to. Holidaymakers should keep their phones charged and share live locations with friends, especially on a night out, while also staying in touch with one another and with family back home. ADVERTISEMENT Travellers are also advised to watch drinks in clubs and bars, photograph key documents for easy access, and swim only in designated safe areas. Amid the current hot temperatures, people are asked to limit their physical activity to cooler parts of the day and moderate alcohol consumption. Many countries in southern and eastern Europe have been affected by heatwave conditions in recent weeks, with the possibility of further high temperatures over the summer. Exposure to excessive temperatures can cause illness, such as heat stress and heat stroke, particularly among older travellers. People going on holidays are asked to be aware of the weather forecasts for their destination, follow the local heat-health alert advice and avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day.


Local Germany
10-07-2025
- Health
- Local Germany
What's the difference between German citizenship and residency?
Non-resident visitor This category covers everything from people having a long weekend in Berlin to those exploring the country for up to 90 days to non-resident property owners. Citizens of a number of non-EU countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free travel to the Schengen area, meaning that they don't need a short-term visa to visit Germany. However, their stay is limited under the so-called '90-day rule'. This states that you can stay in Germany or the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180 days (remember: the 90-day period can be in the form of one long stay or several short stays). READ ALSO: What happens if you overstay your 90-day limit in Germany? If you wish to stay longer than this, you'll need to apply for a longer-term residence permit. Non-EU nationals who don't enjoy visa-free travel to the Schengen area (for example, citizens of India, China and Russia) must apply for a visa for any visit to Germany, even a short holiday. Finally, if you're a citizen of an EU/Schengen-area country, you're not constrained by the 90-day limit, but you'll still need to complete some bureaucratic steps if you decide to move to Germany permanently (more below). Advertisement Regardless of your EU/non-EU status, as a non-resident visitor in Germany, you don't have any legal status or right to stay in the country long term. Visitors from Europe who have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are entitled to medical treatment that can't wait until you return to your home country. The EHIC provides the same rights to healthcare as people registered with Germany's public healthcare system, including free access to emergency or urgent care, and discounted access to specialist consultations and diagnostic exams. Non-EU visitors also have access to emergency or urgent healthcare treatment in Germany, though any services you use will come at a cost. READ ALSO: Does my German health insurance cover me if I get sick abroad? People sit on a bench near a church in central Frankfurt am Main. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) Residency Having residency means that you're officially allowed to live in Germany. The requirements for becoming a legal resident vary depending on the country that you come from and your personal circumstances. Advertisement For EU nationals: EU nationals benefit from freedom of movement across the EU, which means they can move to Germany to live and work without a residence permit or visa. All you need to enter Germany is a valid ID (passport or identity card). In this case, entering and staying in Germany for up to three months is not subject to further conditions or requirements. EU nationals who move their place of residence to Germany need to register their new address at the registration office. This requirement - colloquially referred to as getting Anmeldung - is the same for German nationals and non-EU residents and must be completed within two weeks of moving into a new address. German authorities may assume that the requirements for freedom of movement and residence for EU citizens have been met, but they can also ask for supporting documents. These might include documents to prove your employment status or which prove you have sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family (including health insurance coverage). If you're seeking employment you may also need to provide evidence that you have been seriously pursuing your job search. For Non-EU nationals: Non-EU nationals have far more hoops to jump through before they can become residents in Germany – the biggest one is securing a residence permit ( Aufenthaltstitel ). The specific residence permit you'll need depends on your personal situation (e.g. whether you're coming to Germany to work, study, retire, or reunite with family.) If you're coming from a country that has a visa-free travel agreement for the Schengen area, then you can apply for your residence permit in Germany after entering the country. You'll need to move quickly though, because you need to apply within 90 days (and gathering all the documents you'll need can take quite a bit of time). If you're coming from a country without a visa-free travel agreement, then you'll need to apply for the residence permit you require with your local German consulate before departing. READ ALSO: 11 words you need to know for your German visa appointment Advertisement The specific requirements can vary depending on the type of residence permit you want, but it's safe to assume you'll need a passport which is valid until the end date of your residence permit, a completed application form, and documents confirming your employment or enrollment at a German university, as well as evidence of your financial security (such as a bank statement). In most cases you'll also need to have your address registration document, proof of health insurance in Germany, identification photos and the application fee. EXPLAINED: How to apply for a residency permit online in Berlin Depending on the residence permit you are issued, you may be granted anywhere from several months to four years of legal residency in Germany. Should your residence permit expire, you'll need to apply for a new one (or to renew the same permit). After five years of legal residency in Germany, you may be able to apply for permanent residency. The obvious advantage here is that this option comes with no expiry date, but you'll need to meet certain requirements, which in most cases include; financial self-sufficiency, 60 months of pension contributions, and B1 German language skills. READ ALSO: Who can get permanent residency the fastest under Germany's skilled worker law? While EU citizens living in Germany have the right to vote in municipal and European elections (but not national ones), non-EU residents have no voting rights. Citizenship Naturalising as German is the ultimate guarantee of your rights in Germany. As a German citizen, you'll have the same rights as people holding citizenship from birth, and enjoy greater security than residency permit holders. Similar to permanent residency, citizenship doesn't expire and is very hard to lose. But it also confers rights non-citizens don't have. As of June 27th, 2024, Germany allows dual-citizenship , meaning that you don't need to forfeit citizenship to your home country should you choose to naturalise as German. That is, unless your home country has its own rules against it. These include full voting rights, encompassing municipal, national and EU elections. Having a German passport will also allow you to move around and work in the EU without limitations - from Brussels to Barcelona. A German passport on public transport. Photo: picture alliance / dpa | Christoph Schmidt For non-EU German residents who can only spend 90 days out of every 180 in another EU country under the 90-day rule, it presents a massive potential benefit. EXPLAINED: How German citizenship differs from permanent residency Though there are plenty of advantages to becoming a German national over remaining a foreign resident indefinitely, claiming citizenship can be far from easy. There are three main routes to acquiring citizenship: ancestry, residency and marriage. In most cases to gain German citizenship through ancestry, your parents need to have been German citizens, but the rules get a bit complicated depending on the year you were born, and if your parents were married or unmarried. EXPLAINED: Who is entitled to German citizenship by descent and how to apply for it You can find an explanation of the rules around gaining citizenship through marriage here . Advertisement Otherwise, you may qualify for citizenship if you've legally lived in Germany for at least five years, have B1 German language skills, are financially secure and can pass the German citizenship test. Of course, you'll also need quite a bit of patience for dealing with the bureaucracy and long waits while application is processed. You can find plenty more information about that here . CHEACKLIST: What do I need to apply for German citizenship under the new law? With reporting by The Local team.