If you’ve travelled in Europe before, you might remember the EHIC card. Since Brexit, the system has changed slightly — but the protection hasn’t disappeared.
The UK now issues the GHIC instead.
Here’s exactly what that means for you and your family.
What Is the GHIC Card?
The GHIC stands for the UK Global Health Insurance Card. It allows UK residents to access state-provided healthcare in certain European countries at the same cost as a local resident.
That might mean free treatment. Or it might mean you pay a reduced fee.
It does not mean private healthcare, mountain rescue or repatriation. It is not a replacement for travel insurance.
Think of it as a safety net for medically necessary state healthcare while you’re abroad.
Wasn’t It Called the EHIC?
Yes. The old card was the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After the UK left the EU, new applications switched to the GHIC. If you still have a valid UK-issued EHIC, you can continue to use it until it expires. You do not need to replace it early.
Once it expires, you apply for a GHIC instead.
Important: Some people may still be eligible for a new UK EHIC rather than a GHIC (for example certain EU nationals living in the UK, students studying in the EU, or people covered under withdrawal agreements). But for most UK travellers, the GHIC is the correct card.
Where Is the GHIC Valid?
The GHIC is valid in:
- EU countries (27 countries from the European Economic Area plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway)
- Switzerland for those meeting certain criteria
- Montenegro
- Australia
- Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
- St Helena, Tristan and Ascension
The GHIC card does not cover you in countries outside these agreements. Always double-check before travelling, as agreements can change.
What Does the GHIC Actually Cover?
The GHIC covers state-provided healthcare that becomes medically necessary during your trip. That includes:
- Emergency treatment
- Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions
- Maternity care (if it cannot reasonably wait until you return home)
- Routine care for chronic conditions such as dialysis or oxygen therapy (with prior arrangement)
It does not cover:
- Private healthcare
- Mountain rescue
- Cruise ship medical treatment
- Flights home if you need repatriation
- Lost or stolen property
You still need proper travel insurance. The GHIC works alongside insurance — it does not replace it.
Who Can Get a GHIC?
You can apply if you are:
- A UK resident
- Ordinarily resident in the UK
- Entitled to NHS care
Each family member needs their own card, including children. You can apply for your children at the same time as your own application.
If you travel regularly as a family, make checking GHIC expiry dates part of your travel planning routine.
Is the GHIC Free?
Yes. Completely free.
If a website tries to charge you a fee, it is not the official government site. There are third-party websites that charge to “assist” with applications, but you do not need them.
Only apply through the official NHS website.
How to Apply for a GHIC
Applications are made online through the NHS website.
You’ll need:
- Your full name and address
- Your date of birth
- Your NHS number (if known)
- National Insurance number (sometimes requested)
Most cards arrive within a few weeks, so do not leave it until the week before travel.
If you are travelling urgently and your card hasn’t arrived, you can request a temporary replacement certificate to cover you.
How Long Does a GHIC Last?
Most GHIC cards are valid for five years.
Set a calendar reminder to check expiry before booking European travel. It is one of those small admin tasks that is easy to forget.
Do You Need One If You Have Travel Insurance?
Yes. If you receive state healthcare in Europe and present your GHIC, the cost is often reduced or covered entirely by the local system.
Without it, you may have to pay more upfront and then claim back through insurance. It can simplify treatment and reduce paperwork.
But you still need travel insurance for everything the GHIC does not cover.
Key Things Families Often Forget
If you travel with children:
- Each child needs their own GHIC.
- Check expiry dates before booking any trips.
- Carry the physical card with you.
If your card is lost while travelling, contact the NHS for a temporary replacement certificate.
The name has changed from EHIC to GHIC, but the principle is the same: access to necessary state healthcare while travelling in Europe.
It’s free.
It’s easy to apply.
And it’s worth having.
If Europe is on your travel list this year, sort your GHIC now — not the night before you fly.
Other cards to consider
I have a whole post dedicated to disability cards for those of use in the UK, but the ones I really recommend are:
- The Sunflower Lanyard
- Access Card
- Blue Badge
- Companion bus pass
If you are ready to start planning your trip to Europe, head to my Europe travel hub where you can find guides to all of the countries I have visited in Europe to help you plan your own time there.