GHIC — Free & Reduced Healthcare Abroad Guide
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland at the same cost as locals — often free. Here’s how to get yours, what it covers, and why you still need travel insurance.
📋 What Is the GHIC?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in 2021 following Brexit. It entitles UK residents to medically necessary state-provided healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland.
This means if you fall ill or have an accident while in an EU country, you can access state healthcare on the same terms as a local resident — which, in many countries, means free or heavily reduced-cost treatment.
✅ What the GHIC Covers
- Emergency treatment (accidents, sudden illness).
- Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions that arise during your stay.
- Routine maternity care (though not giving birth unless medically necessary).
- Dialysis and oxygen therapy.
❌ What the GHIC Does NOT Cover
- Private healthcare — if you choose to be treated privately, you pay in full.
- Mountain rescue in ski resorts — can cost £2,000+. You need winter sports insurance.
- Repatriation to the UK — if you need an air ambulance (£20,000–£50,000), the GHIC won’t pay.
- Planned treatment abroad — the GHIC is not for medical tourism. You need prior NHS approval (S2 route) for planned treatment.
- Non-EU countries — does not cover USA, Turkey, Thailand, Australia, etc. (Some old EHICs may still cover Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein if still valid).
🆓 How to Apply — It’s Free
The GHIC is completely free. Apply online in about 10 minutes at nhs.uk/ghic.
- Go to nhs.uk/ghic
- Enter your name, date of birth, and NHS number (or register without one).
- Provide your UK address and National Insurance number (if you have one).
- Submit — your card arrives by post within 15 working days.
⚠️ Beware of scam websites: Dozens of copycat sites charge £20–£50 for “fast-track” GHIC applications. These are scams — the official NHS application is free and the card arrives in the same timeframe. Only use the official nhs.uk website.
🛡️ Important: GHIC ≠ Travel Insurance
The GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. You must carry both when travelling to Europe. Here’s why:
| Situation | GHIC | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| State hospital emergency treatment | ✅ Covers | ✅ Covers |
| Private hospital treatment | ❌ | ✅ |
| Flight cancellation / delay | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lost / stolen luggage | ❌ | ✅ |
| Repatriation to UK | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mountain / ski rescue | ❌ | ✅ (winter sports cover needed) |
| Pre-existing conditions (private treatment) | ❌ | ✅ (must declare conditions) |
🇪🇺 Country-by-Country Healthcare
How state healthcare works varies by country. In France, you typically pay upfront and then claim back around 70% (a carte vitale-equivalent process). In Spain, state healthcare is mostly free at the point of use. In Switzerland, everyone pays a deductible (franchise). Always carry your GHIC and present it at the point of treatment.
For country-specific guidance, check: gov.uk/healthcare-abroad.
📞 Contacts & Links
- NHS GHIC Helpline: 0300 330 1350 (Monday–Friday 8am–6pm)
- Apply Online: nhs.uk/ghic
- Report a Scam GHIC Site: Action Fraud — 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk
- Country-Specific Healthcare Advice: gov.uk/healthcare-abroad
- Travel Insurance Comparison: Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket, GoCompare.
Last updated: June 2026. GHIC arrangements are subject to change — always check nhs.uk/ghic for the latest information.