Latest news with #GHIC
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Travel document Brits must get 15 days before European holidays
The card allows you to access state healthcare services in most European nations. Here's all you need to know about the free travel document Brits eager for a sun-soaked European trip this summer are being reminded to snag an indispensable card at least a fortnight before they jet off. This cost-free card opens doors to complimentary or discounted medical care while gallivanting abroad. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), succeeding the erstwhile European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), is an essential bit of kit for voyagers. Although hearty encouragement still goes towards nabbing travel insurance, the GHIC lets globetrotters tap into state healthcare services across most European countries. The NHS spells it out: "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 clasping a still-in-date EHIC, it's good until its last breath. Once it's kicked the bucket, a fresh GHIC needs picking up. Remember, getting your hands on a GHIC through the mail could take a fortnight, so it's savvy to apply with bags of time before your planned departure, reports the Liverpool Echo. How to get one sorted If you're living in the UK, then you're in the running for a GHIC, and you can include family members on your application. When you're signing up, be ready to provide: Your full name Address Date of birth National Insurance number Health and Care number (for Northern Ireland residents) Each member of the brood needs their own card. You've got the chance to throw in your partner and littluns when you're filling out the form. Kick-start your journey by registering your personal details, then follow the prompts to request extra cards. If there's a need to add more family members later, just reach out to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services with your reference number, full name, date of birth, and address ready. Upon application submission, expect a confirmation email from the NHS within a day confirming your approval status; don't forget to check your spam just in case! They may need more information or documents before giving the nod. If a trip is looming and you're cardless but in need of urgent healthcare abroad, worry not – simply ask for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to tide you over. Using Your Card Abroad Flaunt your shiny card for all necessary state-provided healthcare while overseas, which can't be delayed until you're back on British soil – known as "medically necessary healthcare". This includes: Emergencies and A&E admissions Management or standard care for ongoing or pre-existing conditions Routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth Routine maternity care – provided you're not jetting off specifically to have your baby elsewhere. For treatments like dialysis or chemotherapy, give the health service in your destination country a heads-up to ensure they've got space for you. Local capacity can be an issue, after all. The call on whether treatment is medically necessary is made by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting. Healthcare provided by the state isn't always free outside of the UK. You might have to fork out for treatments that are free on the NHS if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting. Before jetting off, it's wise to research the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you might face. 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 For this reason, the NHS recommends that you also have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip. A UK GHIC can be used when visiting: A country in the European Economic Area (EEA) Montenegro Australia Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man St Helena, Tristan and Ascension If you're one of the following, 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 The UK government is in talks with various countries to broaden the applicability of the UK GHIC, so it's always wise to verify coverage prior to your journey. For further details, visit the NHS website here.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
UK tourists must apply for GHIC at least 15 days before flying to Europe
This free document allows Brits to access free or cheaper healthcare while abroad. Brits planning a European getaway this summer are being urged to secure an essential card at least 15 days before departure. This vital piece of documentation grants access to free or reduced-cost healthcare whilst overseas. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which took over from the widely recognised European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in use since 2004, is a must-have for travellers. Although travel insurance remains a key recommendation for those holidaying abroad, the GHIC enables you to access public healthcare services across most European nations. The NHS website clarifies: "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 still possess a valid EHIC, it can be used until its expiry date. Post-expiry, a GHIC will be required as a replacement. Bear in mind that receiving a new GHIC by post typically takes up to 15 days, so it's wise to apply several weeks ahead of your intended travel dates. How to apply Eligibility for a free UK GHIC extends to UK residents, and applications can include family members. When applying, be prepared to provide: Your full name Your address Your date of birth Your National Insurance number Your Health and Care number (for Northern Ireland residents). Each family member requires an individual card. You have the option to include your spouse, civil partner, and offspring in your application all at once. Your personal information must be entered initially, followed by adding additional cards when prompted. Should you need to append further family members post-application, you ought to contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Your reference number, full name, date of birth, and address are essentials for us to locate your details. Upon submission of your application, expect an email from the NHS within a day's time confirming its approval status - check your spam folder if no communication is received. The NHS may request supplementary information or documents to proceed with approval. In the event that your card does not arrive before travelling, and you require medical attention, apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) for interim coverage. What it covers The card enables access to state healthcare services during your stay that cannot be postponed until your return to the UK, often termed "medically necessary healthcare". This encompasses situations such as:. Emergency interventions and A&E attendance Management of chronic or pre-existing conditions Routine antenatal care provided giving birth abroad is not the purpose of your trip Certain treatments, such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, will need to be pre-arranged with the appropriate healthcare provider in the country you're visiting. This is due to the fact that it's not always guaranteed that local healthcare providers will have the capacity to provide this care. The decision on whether treatment is medically necessary is made by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting. State healthcare isn't always free outside of the UK. You may be required to pay for treatments that would be free on the NHS if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting. Before travelling, it's advisable to research the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you may face. You can check the relevant country guide on for information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting. 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 For this reason, the NHS advises that you also have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip. A UK GHIC can be used when you're visiting: A country in the European Economic Area (EEA) Montenegro Australia Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man St Helena, Tristan and Ascension A UK GHIC can be used in Switzerland if you're one of the following:. 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 in talks with various countries to broaden the applicability of the UK GHIC, so it's always advisable to verify coverage prior to your journey. For further details, visit the NHS website here.
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Warning issued to Brits with GHIC or EHIC amid expiry dates
The EHIC was replaced by the GHIC but are still in use with some Brits still having valid ones. GHIC and EHIC cards allow you to receive state healthcare in another country (in the European Economic Area – EAA) 'on the same basis as a resident in that country', the NHS explains. But, before you travel, you'll need to make sure your GHIC or EHIC is still valid and if not, it will need to be renewed so you can use it if needed. Warning issued to everyone with a GHIC or EHIC Nearly two million UK-issued EHIC and GHIC health cards will expire in 2025, putting travellers at risk of losing access to free or reduced-cost emergency healthcare when visiting Europe. The importance of these cards is also underlined in new NHS data shared with travel insurance provider Holidaysafe. It reveals that the UK has spent more than £800 million since 2016 to cover the cost of medical treatment for UK travellers abroad. The new figures were obtained by Holidaysafe following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The data from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) shows that 1,960,640 health cards, including European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) and UK EHICs issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, will expire this year. If you didn't know, your entitlement to UK Global Health Insurance GHIC is still valid in the EU/Switzerland. Europe is Europe. Not everything can be taken away after #Brexit. Renew if expired. It's still free of charge. Just renewed mine. Only EU colours & sign no longer exist. — 🇬🇳🇬🇧 Alhoussein Fadiga #Peace&Love (@kipe76) January 11, 2025 'Many people don't even realise their card is expiring,' said Amber Moon, Holidaysafe Brand Manager. She added: 'You could end up facing a bill of hundreds or even thousands of pounds for treatment that would otherwise have been covered. Renewing your GHIC is free and takes just minutes via the official NHS website. 'Having valid travel insurance and a GHIC or EHIC card can help you access emergency medical treatment and avoid unexpected costs if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. However, it's important to check what your travel insurance policy covers.' Under reciprocal healthcare agreements, the UK government covers the cost of treatment abroad when a valid GHIC or EHIC is presented for medical care. Can you still use a red passport in 2025? In 2019, just before the pandemic, the bill for this care was £127.3 million. While it has since fallen, the total cost from 2016 to April 2025 now exceeds £813 million. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: 'You can use your UK European/Global Health Insurance Card for any medically necessary care at a public hospital or medical centre in Europe. 'But whilst a valid GHIC/EHIC can help, it won't cover everything. Always check what's included in your travel insurance before travelling abroad and while your EHIC remains valid in the EU, replace it with a GHIC when it expires.' Amber Moon added: 'When you look at how much the UK has paid out to cover medical bills abroad, it just highlights how important it is for people to carry a GHIC or to make sure they get one when their EHIC expires this year.' Do you still need travel insurance with a GHIC or EHIC? Travel insurance is still needed even if you have a GHIC or EHIC. While these cards entitle you to receive emergency medical treatment in Europe on the same terms as a local, they don't cover repatriation if you need to return to the UK - something that's included in many travel insurance policies. They also won't cover you if you fall ill on a cruise or require rescue during a winter sports holiday. Your passport is your most important travel document - it's worth taking your time to get right! Before submitting your application check: - your photo meets all requirements - all personal details are correct - supporting documents are ready - payment details are accurate — His Majesty's Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 16, 2025 How to check if your GHIC or EHIC is still valid If you already have a GHIC or EHIC, you'll need to make sure it's valid before your trip. To find out when it expires, check the expiry date box in the bottom right corner of the card. This will give you an exact date that it expires. How to renew a GHIC or EHIC If you have checked the expiry date and need to renew your card, it's free and easy to do via the NHS website. Recommended reading: You can renew your card up to nine months before yours runs out. Once your EHIC expires, you will receive a GHIC when you renew it. For those who don't already have one, you can apply for a new one which will last five years.
Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Warning issued to Brits with GHIC or EHIC amid expiry dates
The EHIC was replaced by the GHIC but are still in use with some Brits still having valid ones. GHIC and EHIC cards allow you to receive state healthcare in another country (in the European Economic Area – EAA) 'on the same basis as a resident in that country', the NHS explains. But, before you travel, you'll need to make sure your GHIC or EHIC is still valid and if not, it will need to be renewed so you can use it if needed. Warning issued to everyone with a GHIC or EHIC Nearly two million UK-issued EHIC and GHIC health cards will expire in 2025, putting travellers at risk of losing access to free or reduced-cost emergency healthcare when visiting Europe. The importance of these cards is also underlined in new NHS data shared with travel insurance provider Holidaysafe. It reveals that the UK has spent more than £800 million since 2016 to cover the cost of medical treatment for UK travellers abroad. The new figures were obtained by Holidaysafe following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The data from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) shows that 1,960,640 health cards, including European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) and UK EHICs issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, will expire this year. If you didn't know, your entitlement to UK Global Health Insurance GHIC is still valid in the EU/Switzerland. Europe is Europe. Not everything can be taken away after #Brexit. Renew if expired. It's still free of charge. Just renewed mine. Only EU colours & sign no longer exist. — 🇬🇳🇬🇧 Alhoussein Fadiga #Peace&Love (@kipe76) January 11, 2025 'Many people don't even realise their card is expiring,' said Amber Moon, Holidaysafe Brand Manager. She added: 'You could end up facing a bill of hundreds or even thousands of pounds for treatment that would otherwise have been covered. Renewing your GHIC is free and takes just minutes via the official NHS website. 'Having valid travel insurance and a GHIC or EHIC card can help you access emergency medical treatment and avoid unexpected costs if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. However, it's important to check what your travel insurance policy covers.' Under reciprocal healthcare agreements, the UK government covers the cost of treatment abroad when a valid GHIC or EHIC is presented for medical care. Can you still use a red passport in 2025? In 2019, just before the pandemic, the bill for this care was £127.3 million. While it has since fallen, the total cost from 2016 to April 2025 now exceeds £813 million. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: 'You can use your UK European/Global Health Insurance Card for any medically necessary care at a public hospital or medical centre in Europe. 'But whilst a valid GHIC/EHIC can help, it won't cover everything. Always check what's included in your travel insurance before travelling abroad and while your EHIC remains valid in the EU, replace it with a GHIC when it expires.' Amber Moon added: 'When you look at how much the UK has paid out to cover medical bills abroad, it just highlights how important it is for people to carry a GHIC or to make sure they get one when their EHIC expires this year.' Do you still need travel insurance with a GHIC or EHIC? Travel insurance is still needed even if you have a GHIC or EHIC. While these cards entitle you to receive emergency medical treatment in Europe on the same terms as a local, they don't cover repatriation if you need to return to the UK - something that's included in many travel insurance policies. They also won't cover you if you fall ill on a cruise or require rescue during a winter sports holiday. Your passport is your most important travel document - it's worth taking your time to get right! Before submitting your application check: - your photo meets all requirements - all personal details are correct - supporting documents are ready - payment details are accurate — His Majesty's Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 16, 2025 How to check if your GHIC or EHIC is still valid If you already have a GHIC or EHIC, you'll need to make sure it's valid before your trip. To find out when it expires, check the expiry date box in the bottom right corner of the card. This will give you an exact date that it expires. How to renew a GHIC or EHIC If you have checked the expiry date and need to renew your card, it's free and easy to do via the NHS website. Recommended reading: You can renew your card up to nine months before yours runs out. Once your EHIC expires, you will receive a GHIC when you renew it. For those who don't already have one, you can apply for a new one which will last five years.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Travel warning issued to all Brits with a GHIC or EHIC going abroad this year
A travel warning has been issued to anyone who is in possession of a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC was replaced by the GHIC but are still in use with some Brits still having valid ones. GHIC and EHIC cards allow you to receive state healthcare in another country (in the European Economic Area – EAA) 'on the same basis as a resident in that country', the NHS explains. But, before you travel, you'll need to make sure your GHIC or EHIC is still valid and if not, it will need to be renewed so you can use it if needed. Nearly two million UK-issued EHIC and GHIC health cards will expire in 2025, putting travellers at risk of losing access to free or reduced-cost emergency healthcare when visiting Europe. The importance of these cards is also underlined in new NHS data shared with travel insurance provider Holidaysafe. It reveals that the UK has spent more than £800 million since 2016 to cover the cost of medical treatment for UK travellers abroad. The new figures were obtained by Holidaysafe following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The data from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) shows that 1,960,640 health cards, including European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs), Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) and UK EHICs issued under the Withdrawal Agreement, will expire this year. If you didn't know, your entitlement to UK Global Health Insurance GHIC is still valid in the EU/Switzerland. Europe is Europe. Not everything can be taken away after #Brexit. Renew if expired. It's still free of charge. Just renewed mine. Only EU colours & sign no longer exist. — 🇬🇳🇬🇧 Alhoussein Fadiga #Peace&Love (@kipe76) January 11, 2025 'Many people don't even realise their card is expiring,' said Amber Moon, Holidaysafe Brand Manager. She added: 'You could end up facing a bill of hundreds or even thousands of pounds for treatment that would otherwise have been covered. Renewing your GHIC is free and takes just minutes via the official NHS website. 'Having valid travel insurance and a GHIC or EHIC card can help you access emergency medical treatment and avoid unexpected costs if you fall ill or have an accident abroad. However, it's important to check what your travel insurance policy covers.' Under reciprocal healthcare agreements, the UK government covers the cost of treatment abroad when a valid GHIC or EHIC is presented for medical care. In 2019, just before the pandemic, the bill for this care was £127.3 million. While it has since fallen, the total cost from 2016 to April 2025 now exceeds £813 million. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: 'You can use your UK European/Global Health Insurance Card for any medically necessary care at a public hospital or medical centre in Europe. 'But whilst a valid GHIC/EHIC can help, it won't cover everything. Always check what's included in your travel insurance before travelling abroad and while your EHIC remains valid in the EU, replace it with a GHIC when it expires.' Amber Moon added: 'When you look at how much the UK has paid out to cover medical bills abroad, it just highlights how important it is for people to carry a GHIC or to make sure they get one when their EHIC expires this year.' Travel insurance is still needed even if you have a GHIC or EHIC. While these cards entitle you to receive emergency medical treatment in Europe on the same terms as a local, they don't cover repatriation if you need to return to the UK - something that's included in many travel insurance policies. They also won't cover you if you fall ill on a cruise or require rescue during a winter sports holiday. Your passport is your most important travel document - it's worth taking your time to get right! Before submitting your application check: - your photo meets all requirements - all personal details are correct - supporting documents are ready - payment details are accurate — His Majesty's Passport Office (@HM_Passport) June 16, 2025 If you already have a GHIC or EHIC, you'll need to make sure it's valid before your trip. To find out when it expires, check the expiry date box in the bottom right corner of the card. This will give you an exact date that it expires. If you have checked the expiry date and need to renew your card, it's free and easy to do via the NHS website. Recommended reading: What is a GHIC, which countries accept it and how do you apply? What to know British Airways flights to Doha and Dubai cancelled after US strikes Iran UK bus company offers free tickets for people turning 30 in June You can renew your card up to nine months before yours runs out. Once your EHIC expires, you will receive a GHIC when you renew it. For those who don't already have one, you can apply for a new one which will last five years.
