The UK government offers its citizens a free card called the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It gives cardholders the same access to state-provided healthcare as locals when they travel in most European countries and certain nations with reciprocal health agreements. You will learn why the UK’s global health insurance is needed and how it helps people in the UK when they need it in this blog.
Why Was the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) Introduced?
The GHIC was introduced by the UK following its exit from the European Union. UK tourists used the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare in EU nations before January 2021.
A new system was required following Brexit, and the GHIC took over the EHIC’s role. When travelling to EU countries and certain other locations, it permits UK residents to continue receiving healthcare for emergencies or necessary treatment during temporary stays abroad. The UK government provides a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This is why it is so easy for travellers to receive medical care overseas.
What is the GHIC?
People resident in the UK can travel to certain countries and receive state-provided healthcare by using the UK global health insurance card. It is a free card given by the UK government. It allows you to access medically essential treatment on the same terms as residents in participating nations (either free or at a reduced cost), but it is not private insurance. It will cover “necessary state-provided healthcare” here
- EEA
- Switzerland (under special conditions)
- Other specified countries or territories (agreement with the UK)
The above context is in accordance with the official guidelines. You can continue to use your previous EHIC card until it expires if you already have one.
Where Is the GHIC Valid?
Switzerland and the nations of the European Economic Area (EEA) are eligible to use the GHIC for medically essential treatment under state-run healthcare systems.
The GHIC may also provide access to free or reduced-cost healthcare in several non-EU nations and territories with which the UK has reciprocal healthcare arrangements, such as several British Overseas Territories. It is wise to check the current country list and local regulations before departing. The reason is that coverage may vary by location.
Who Can Apply for a GHIC?
A GHIC can be applied for by anyone who is a lawful resident of the UK. When you decide to apply for a free UK global health insurance card, it is available to residents and citizens of the United Kingdom who fulfill the residency standards set forth by the government. Every member of your family needs to have their own card.
You may also apply if you are a dependent family member or a student. You should never pay a website or agency to apply for the card because it is totally free. You will receive the card in time for your upcoming international travel if you apply early. It only takes a few minutes to complete and is a simple one-time procedure.
How to Apply for a GHIC?
You can use the official NHS website to access the GHIC application form online. The following are among the essential information you will require
- Your full name
- Address
- Birthdate
- National Insurance number
The procedure is simple and free. It will sometimes take less than ten minutes. After being accepted, your card will be mailed to you in roughly two weeks.
You should be aware of fraudulent websites that demand payment; the GHIC is always free. You can ask the NHS for a temporary certificate to use overseas if your vacation is approaching and your card hasn’t come yet.
What Does the GHIC Cover?
When you travel abroad, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) covers emergency and medically necessary care that cannot wait until you return. This will cover care for
- Unexpected injuries or illnesses
- Maternity care
- Chronic sickness treatment
- Hospital visits
It ensures that you won’t incur significant costs for unforeseen medical problems while traveling. You have the same access to healthcare as the people of that nation at public clinics and hospitals. But keep in mind that there may still be some local fees. It is intended for short-term visits rather than long-term relocation or trips solely for scheduled medical care.
Things That GHIC Doesn’t Cover
Private medical care and scheduled overseas medical procedures are not covered by the GHIC. It also doesn’t cover things like
- Lost personal belongings
- Ambulance trips back to the UK
- The mountain rescue
The entire cost of your visit to a private hospital will be your responsibility. This card can only be used for state-funded medical services. For this reason, having both the GHIC and travel insurance is still crucial. Travel insurance pays for expenses that the GHIC does not, like
- Medical evacuation
- Travel cancellations
- Lost or stolen property.
Emergency protection is provided by GHIC, however, full coverage is not.
The Main Difference Between GHIC and EHIC
Before Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) was used by UK tourists. For most UK citizens, it was replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) following the UK’s exit from the EU. The GHIC does not cover all of the same nations as the EHIC, such as
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
Understand that both cards provide access to state healthcare in Europe. You will need to apply for a GHIC once your current EHIC expires, if you still have one. Ensuring that UK tourists can obtain essential medical treatment overseas at a reasonable cost is still the primary goal.
Why Do You Still Need Travel Insurance?
Despite its assistance with overseas medical care, the GHIC does not take the place of travel insurance. Only a portion of medical care in public hospitals is covered by the GHIC. Additional benefits covered by travel insurance include
- Emergency home transportation
- Private medical expenses
- Vacation delays
- Missing luggage.
Travel insurance is crucial because the GHIC could not function at all if you’re going outside the EU. Compare travel insurance to your comprehensive protection plan, and consider GHIC to be your fundamental healthcare assistance. When combined, they provide complete peace of mind for any international travel.
Wrapping It Up
Therefore, this is what you should learn about the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). It ensures access to necessary state-provided healthcare. It offers you peace of mind during medical emergencies abroad. By keeping a GHIC ready before your trip, you can travel with greater confidence as healthcare assistance is available wherever you go.
