If you are planning on going abroad this year, make sure you get one thing to ensure you don’t end up paying an unnecessary amount in medical bills. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to access necessary state healthcare in countries in Europe, and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country.
You may have to pay for the care you receive but it will be equivalent to the fee a local resident would pay. This card replaced the original European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
If your EHIC has not expired, it can still be used but after this you will be required to changed to a GHIC. You can get new card up to 9 months before your current one runs out.
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A GHIC is free of charge and lasts five years. To get one you need to apply through the NHS website, third party sites could make you pay.
The NHS make clear that this card is not a replacement for travel insurance, which they still advise anyone travelling abroad to purchase.
To apply for a GHIC all you need is to give your full name, date of birth, address and national insurance or NHS number. When getting a card you can also apply for one for the whole of your family as every member needs an individual card.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will receive an email from the NHS within 24 hours to let you know whether it has been approved or not. You may be asked to provide additional information or documents before it gets approval.
Once it is approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days in the post. If it does not arrive before you travel, and you need medically necessary treatment during your trip, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) so you are temporarily covered.
With the GHIC you are entitled to:
- emergency treatment and visits to A&E
- treatment or routine medical care for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions
- routine maternity care, as long as you’re not going abroad to give birth
You may have to pre book some care before you go if it is necessary whilst you are away. The card covers EU countries, Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan and Ascension.
You will need to present your card in these countries when receiving healthcare. The NHS also advise to look at the FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for the country you’re visiting.
You can book UK and European trains – including cheap Eurostar tickets – on Trainline. You can book coaches on National Express or GoEuro. See accommodation options on Booking.com and Hotels.com.
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