January 8, 2021

GHIC Card - Healthcare for UK nationals visiting the EU

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out following the Brexit deal in favour of a new, free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

 

This information is about visiting the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. There’s different guidance for healthcare if you’re:

·                visiting Spain

·                visiting Ireland

·                going to live, study or work in the EU

When you travel to an EU country you should have either:
a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
travel insurance with healthcare cover

An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Make sure you have both before you travel.
Each healthcare system is different, and in some countries you’ll need to pay to have treatment.


Apply for a GHIC

If you apply for a card now, you’ll get the new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

They are both valid if you’re travelling to an EU country.

If your EHIC is still in date, you do not need to apply for a new GHIC.