GHIC Card UK: What It Is, Why You Need It & How to Apply (2026 Guide)
- ⏱️ 8 Minute Read
If you’re planning a trip to Europe from the UK, there is one free travel document many people overlook — the GHIC card.
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows UK residents to access state healthcare in many European countries at the same cost as local citizens. This means if you fall ill or need medical treatment abroad, you may receive treatment for free or at a reduced cost.
With millions of Brits travelling to Europe every year, having a GHIC card can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds in unexpected medical bills.
In this guide you’ll learn:
- What a GHIC card is
- Why every UK traveller should have one
- Who is eligible for the card
- How to apply for a GHIC card step-by-step
- Countries where the GHIC is valid
- Common mistakes travellers make
What Is a GHIC Card?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free card issued by the NHS that provides UK residents access to state healthcare during temporary stays in certain European countries.
The GHIC replaced the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit.
The card allows you to receive medically necessary healthcare while abroad, including:
- Emergency treatment
- Doctor visits
- Hospital treatment
- Treatment for chronic conditions
- Maternity care if required during travel
However, the GHIC only covers public healthcare systems, not private treatment.
Why You Should Get a GHIC Card Before Travelling
1. It Protects You From Expensive Medical Bills
Medical treatment abroad can be very expensive without coverage.
For example:
- Emergency treatment abroad can cost hundreds or thousands of euros
- Ambulance transport may cost €100–€500+
- Hospital stays may cost €1,000+ per day
With a GHIC, you may receive treatment free or at the same cost local residents pay.
This can significantly reduce unexpected medical expenses during travel.
2. The GHIC Card Is Completely Free
One of the biggest advantages of the GHIC card is that it costs nothing to apply.
You only need to apply through the official NHS website.
However, many third-party websites charge unnecessary fees to process applications that are normally free.
3. It Covers Many Popular Holiday Destinations
The GHIC card can be used in many popular European destinations, including:
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Germany
- Portugal
- Greece
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
It is valid for temporary visits such as holidays, study trips, or business travel.
If you travel frequently to Europe, the GHIC can be extremely useful.
4. The Card Lasts for Five Years
A GHIC card is normally valid for five years.
Once issued, you can use the same card for multiple trips until it expires.
You can apply to renew your GHIC up to 9 months before the expiry date.
Who Is Eligible for a GHIC Card?
You can apply for a GHIC card if you:
- Live legally in the UK
- Are ordinarily resident in the UK
- Receive healthcare through the NHS
You can also apply for:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your children
- Dependants living with you
Each person must have their own GHIC card.
How to Apply for a GHIC Card (Step-by-Step)
Applying for a GHIC card is simple and takes around 10 minutes.
Step 1: Visit the Official NHS Website
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic. (Link Correct at the time of Publishing)
Go to the NHS overseas healthcare portal.
Avoid unofficial sites that charge application fees.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Details
You’ll need to provide:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- National Insurance number
- Email address
Step 3: Add Family Members
You can include your partner or children in the same application.
Each person will receive their own card.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once submitted, the NHS will process your application and send the card by post.
Most GHIC cards arrive within 15 working days.
What Does the GHIC Card Cover?
The GHIC covers medically necessary state healthcare while travelling abroad.
Examples include:
- Emergency treatment
- Doctor visits
- Hospital treatment
- Treatment for existing conditions
- Maternity care if required during the trip
Healthcare will be provided under the same conditions as residents of that country.
What the GHIC Does NOT Cover
It’s important to understand that the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance.
It does not cover:
- Private medical treatment
- Medical repatriation back to the UK
- Trip cancellation
- Lost luggage
- Mountain rescue services
For full protection, you should always travel with both a GHIC and travel insurance.
What Happens If You Need Healthcare Without Your Card?
If you need medical treatment abroad but do not have your GHIC card with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).
This certificate temporarily provides the same coverage as a GHIC card.
You can request it through NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
GHIC vs EHIC: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | GHIC | EHIC |
|---|---|---|
| Issued After Brexit | Yes | No (existing cards only) |
| Validity | 5 years | Until expiry |
| Coverage | EU countries | EU + EEA |
If you still have a valid EHIC card, you can continue using it until it expires.
After that, you can apply for a GHIC card.
Common GHIC Card Mistakes Travellers Make
Many travellers make simple mistakes that can cause problems abroad.
These include:
- Forgetting to apply before travelling
- Using unofficial websites that charge fees
- Assuming the GHIC replaces travel insurance
- Not carrying the card while travelling
Applying early ensures you receive the card before your trip.
Tips for Using Your GHIC Card Abroad
To use your GHIC card effectively:
- Always carry the card with your passport
- Use public healthcare facilities rather than private clinics
- Keep receipts for any treatment payments
- Contact your travel insurer if treatment becomes serious
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GHIC card free?
Yes. The GHIC card is completely free when you apply through the NHS website.
How long does it take to get a GHIC card?
Most cards arrive within 10–15 working days after applying.
Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC?
Yes. The GHIC only covers state healthcare, not other travel risks.
Can I use my GHIC card worldwide?
No. The GHIC mainly covers EU countries and some additional territories.
Final Thoughts
The GHIC card is one of the most valuable free travel documents for UK residents travelling to Europe.
It can give you access to healthcare abroad while significantly reducing medical costs if something goes wrong during your trip.
Because the card is free, easy to apply for, and valid for five years, it’s worth getting one before any European trip.
If you’re planning a holiday, applying for your GHIC card should be part of your essential travel checklist.