Latest news with #GlobalHealthInsuranceCard
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dad who plunged from Cyprus hotel balcony left unable to walk
Sam Hudson, 24, had been staying at Anmaria Beach Hotel in Ayia Napa when he fell from the second floor on June 15. A holidaymaker has been left unable to walk after suffering a horror fall from a hotel balcony in Cyprus. Sam Hudson was staying at the Anmaria Beach Hotel in Ayia Napa with his step-brother when he fell from the second floor on June 15. The dad, 24, had been drinking and was trying to leap between balconies. He was raced to hospital for treatment to pelvis and spinal injuries. His stepmum, Karen, received a call informing her that Sam had "sustained serious bone injuries" and needed to be moved to Nicosia General Hospital for critical care. Sam, who is a dad-of-one, was rushed into intensive care due to a shattered pelvis, fractures to the L4 and L5 vertebrae, and a broken leg, enduring over seven hours of surgery. Without travel insurance, Sam faced delays as he awaited a Global Health Insurance Card before doctors would proceed with the operation. After spending just over a week in the hospital, he was then moved to the Orthopaedic ward. Sam told the Mirror: "I do not remember anything, how it happened, nothing. I keep having nightmares about the accident. I was in a lot of pain and had a high dose of pain killers for the first 10 days which meant I was not really aware of how bad the situation was. "I had a broken pelvis at the right hand side near the leg joint, broken something in the lower part of pelvis, also broken an area at the back of my spine some small bones that stick out the back of the lower spine." Upon Sam's return home to Lincoln, he will need immediate physiotherapy and will be admitted to hospital for rehabilitation. The father will then embark on the challenging journey of learning to walk again. A fundraiser has been set up for his family to cover the costs of his travel home. Karen said: "Sam has not received any physiotherapy and urgently needs to return to the UK to be admitted to hospital for rehabilitation - to begin the long process of learning to stand and walk again. He still has fractures in his pelvis and lower spine that have not been addressed, as they're not considered emergencies. "However, from viewing the X-ray, these areas appear to be shattered, and we are concerned about the assumption that they will simply heal on their own. Trying to coordinate all of this has been a logistical nightmare for us as a family." She is initiating a petition urging the UK government to make travel insurance a legal requirement for anyone travelling abroad. Karen added: "Make sure always make sure you have travel insurance - no matter what. It's essential, and you should always read the small print to understand exactly what is and isn't covered. "Equally important is having a GHIC card, which can cover emergency medical treatment within the EU. If you have it with you, the NHS can fund your care, and treatment can begin immediately without unnecessary delays. "I strongly believe that travel insurance and a valid GHIC card should be made compulsory. When booking a flight or holiday, travellers should be required to enter both their insurance policy number and GHIC reference number. "This would ensure that everyone is adequately protected and could help prevent other families from experiencing the distress and uncertainty we faced - not knowing how we would manage the costs involved in getting Sam home and ensuring he received the care he needed."
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brit tourist plunges from Cyprus hotel balcony and can't walk after holiday 'nightmare'
24-year-old Sam Hudson, from Lincoln, was enjoying a holiday getaway in Ayia Napa with his step-brother on June 15 when he suffered an accidental fall from his hotel balcony A British holidaymaker is haunted by "nightmares" after a terrifying plunge from a hotel balcony in Cyprus left him unable to walk. Sam Hudson, from Lincoln, was staying at the Anmaria Beach Hotel in Ayia Napa with his step-brother on June 15 when he suffered a horrific fall from the second floor. The dad, who had been drinking, was trying to leap between the balconies. He was spotted by a passerby and rushed to hospital in an ambulance after suffering pelvis and spinal injuries. Stepmother Karen received a call informing her that Sam had "sustained serious bone injuries" and needed to be moved to Nicosia General Hospital for critical care. The father-of-one faced a gruelling stint in intensive care due to a shattered pelvis, fractures to the L4 and L5 vertebrae, and a broken leg, enduring over seven hours of surgery. Without travel insurance, Sam faced delays as he awaited a Global Health Insurance Card before doctors would proceed with the operation. After spending just over a week in the hospital, he was then moved to the Orthopaedic ward. Sam told The Mirror: "I do not remember anything, how it happened, nothing. I keep having nightmares about the accident. I was in a lot of pain and had a high dose of pain killers for the first 10 days which meant I was not really aware of how bad the situation was. "I had a broken pelvis at the right hand side near the leg joint, broken something in the lower part of pelvis, also broken an area at the back of my spine some small bones that stick out the back of the lower spine." Sam was set to be discharged on July 11 as he no longer required emergency medical care, which is what the GHIC card covers. Upon his return to the UK, he will require immediate physiotherapy and will be admitted to hospital for rehabilitation. Sam will then embark on the challenging journey of learning to walk again. However, lying flat for the flight home presents a "significant challenge" as the family cannot afford the cost of a stretcher. His step-mum has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover some of the costs, which has already raised more than £5,000. Karen stated: "Sam has not received any physiotherapy and urgently needs to return to the UK to be admitted to hospital for rehabilitation - to begin the long process of learning to stand and walk again. He still has fractures in his pelvis and lower spine that have not been addressed, as they're not considered emergencies. "However, from viewing the X-ray, these areas appear to be shattered, and we are concerned about the assumption that they will simply heal on their own. Trying to coordinate all of this has been a logistical nightmare for us as a family." She is initiating a petition urging the UK government to make travel insurance a legal requirement for anyone travelling abroad. Karen added: "Make sure always make sure you have travel insurance - no matter what. It's essential, and you should always read the small print to understand exactly what is and isn't covered. "Equally important is having a GHIC card, which can cover emergency medical treatment within the EU. If you have it with you, the NHS can fund your care, and treatment can begin immediately without unnecessary delays. "I strongly believe that travel insurance and a valid GHIC card should be made compulsory. When booking a flight or holiday, travellers should be required to enter both their insurance policy number and GHIC reference number. "This would ensure that everyone is adequately protected and could help prevent other families from experiencing the distress and uncertainty we faced - not knowing how we would manage the costs involved in getting Sam home and ensuring he received the care he needed."
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- 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.
The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Know your rights when it comes to delayed or cancelled flights' warn transport chiefs over busy summer travel period
TRANSPORT chiefs have warned that holidaymaker's should know their rights when it comes to "delayed or cancelled flights" this summer. As the busy 1 Travel pros have given their top tips ahead of the busy summer season Credit: Getty Images The transport chiefs have released a set of tips for anyone heading off by air, sea or public transport over the coming months. Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council, Michelle Kelly, said it's especially important to plan ahead during the busy She said: 'It's best to plan ahead during this busy period. Be it unexpected disruption to flights or sailings due to extraordinary circumstances or delays for any reason, knowing your rights ahead of travel can help. 'We are also reminding consumers of the importance of checking airline policies well in advance such as cabin bag allowances to avoid extra costs at the airport. READ MORE IN TRAVEL 'We have chosen our 2025 summer travel tips based on our communication with consumers over the past year. "Hopefully, our tips will help travellers avoid unnecessary hassle and expense.' Their summer 2025 tips are based on what consumers struggled with most last year, from surprise costs to last-minute panic over The first tip from the Consumer Council is to know your rights - especially if your flight or sailing is delayed or cancelled. Most read in The Irish Sun There are specific protections in place for travellers under The second tip is to book with flexibility in mind, even if it costs a bit more. 'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine Kelly said that while flexible tickets or Next on the checklist is to check your passport early and don't leave it to the week before your holiday to realise it's expired. Some countries require a certain amount of validity left on your passport before you're allowed to enter, and passport renewals can take weeks. If you or someone you're travelling with needs special assistance, such as wheelchair support or help boarding, the Consumer Council stresses that this must be booked at least 48 hours in advance. The Council also recommends checking airport parking charges and pre-booking parking if you're driving to the Some car parks near terminals charge high fees for last-minute arrivals, but booking online in advance often comes with big savings. Another step is to get travel insurance as early as possible, ideally from the moment you book as Kelly said it means you're covered if an illness or disruption affects your plans. 'It is not a replacement for travel insurance' And for those travelling within the EU, it's ideal to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card which can provide access to necessary healthcare in Europe at reduced cost. Kelly said the GHIC is handy for peace of mind, but still urged travellers to ensure their private insurance covers everything from cancellations to The Consumer Council is also advising travellers to keep an eye on travel updates from their airline, airport or ferry provider. Unexpected delays, strikes or weather-related issues can cause major problems, so staying informed can give you a head start if needed. For those using Another common pitfall for airline passengers is not knowing the hand luggage rules, which vary from one airline to another. Some carriers allow only one small cabin bag, while others charge for extra items like handbags or laptop cases and airport staff often enforce these limits strictly. It's also important to check airport security procedures, especially rules on carrying liquids as not being prepared can slow you down or lead to items being confiscated.
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
Expert issues scam website alert for anyone who needs travel card
UK tourists have been warned to be on the lookout for a scam that could catch out holidaymakers People have been urged to research deals before booking trips after over £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024. Siobhan Blagbrough, Financial Crime Manager at Ocean Finance, explained: "Everyone's looking for a bargain break, and that makes us more likely to rush into things without checking the details properly. "Fraudsters take advantage of the seasonal demand by posting fake listings, posing as landlords or travel agents, and demanding upfront payments for holidays that don't exist." The expert also issued an alert over a Global Health Insurance Card scam, warning: "We're also seeing people being tricked into paying for Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs), which are free through the NHS." The NHS website explains that you can apply for a card for free. It says: "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 (...) A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply." However, scammers could target holidaymakers applying for a card, and it's one of several methods known to be popular with fraudsters, reports the Mirror. Siobhan said: "The most common trick is to pile on the pressure, scammers love using urgency to force quick decisions. If a deal seems too good to be true, take a step back and research before you book." Below, the expert highlighted five of the biggest holiday scams to look out for. Fake accommodation listings Siobhan said: "Fraudsters will post holiday homes that don't exist or aren't available for rent, taking payments upfront before disappearing. These listings often appear on social media or lesser-known websites. Always double-check the listing by running a reverse image search and booking through trusted platforms." Clone comparison sites "Some scammers go to great lengths to build fake versions of well-known holiday comparison or airline sites. They look almost identical but are set up purely to steal your payment details. Double-check the web URL and look out for subtle misspellings or unusual domain names," the expert warned. Bogus travel agents "You might get a message from a 'travel expert' offering a last-minute deal that feels too good to ignore. They may even send what looks like a real booking confirmation," the expert revealed. "But behind the scenes, there's no flight or hotel reservation. If they insist on a bank transfer or pressure you to book fast, walk away." Social media bargains Siobhan continued: "Many scammers use Facebook or Instagram to post holiday deals, but clicking through often leads to fake booking pages or demands for advance payments. They might say 'only two spots left' or 'another family is interested', but this urgency is all part of the scam." Fake GHIC websites "Applying for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) through the NHS website is free, but scam websites sometimes charge a £30 - £40 fee to 'process' your application. These fake sites look professional and often rank high on search results, so it's easy to be fooled," the expert said. How to protect your money Siobhan advised sticking to trusted sites and companies and paying by credit card for extra protection. She said: "Book through well-known companies and pay inside the platform using a secure method. Once you go outside those platforms, you lose the protection they offer. If someone asks for a bank transfer or says they'll give you a better deal if you pay privately, that's a big red flag." Siobhan added that you shouldn't ignore warning signs. "If a deal looks unusually cheap for the time of year or destination, slow down and look a bit closer. Check whether the company is part of a recognised travel association like ABTA or ATOL. Even searching the company name with the word 'scam' can bring up useful results," she explained. The expert said: "If you think you've been scammed, act fast. Contact your bank straight away - if the payment hasn't gone through yet, they might be able to stop it. If it has, they can talk you through what to do next. It's also important to report the scam to Action Fraud and Citizens Advice, and if the scam came via email, forward it to report@
