The Ehic and Ghic explained

What is a Ghic?

A Ghic is a free medical card that gives you access to 'necessary healthcare' in EU countries at the same price as citizens of that country.

So if they get free treatment, you get free treatment.

Necessary healthcare includes healthcare that can't wait for you to return to the UK, such as emergency treatment, routine medical care for pre-existing conditions, routine maternity care (unless you're going to a country to give birth) and oxygen and kidney dialysis.

You can apply for a Ghic if you're resident in the UK and don't have healthcare cover provided by an EEA country or Switzerland.

• Find out how to apply on the NHS website. You can also phone on 0300 330 1350 if you're in the UK or  +44 191 283 3909 from abroad.  

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Does my Ehic still work after Brexit?

Yes. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (Ehic), you can continue to get free or discounted healthcare until the card's expiry date.

Once it expires, you'll need to apply for the Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic). Like the Ehic, the Ghic enables you to get state healthcare in the EU.

Neither an Ehic nor a Ghic provides the same level of protection as travel insurance, which remains essential.

Some insurers will waive fees or excesses if you hold an Ehic or Ghic, so it makes sense to have one alongside insurance.

What is an Ehic?

The Ehic was the predecessor to the Ghic, entitling UK citizens to treatment in EU state hospitals.

Ehics are no longer being issued or renewed in the UK, except to a few groups:

• People living in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK.
• People living in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 form issued by the UK.
• Nationals of the EEA or Switzerland who have legally resided in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.
• Family members or dependants of entitled individuals listed above.

Ehic and new Ghic cards are free, and you can apply for a new card up to six months before your current card expires. If you need to apply for a new card, go directly to the NHS website.

How do I use a Ghic or Ehic?

Ghics and Ehics are simple to use. All you have to do is present your card before you have treatment, and you shouldn't have any problems.

Remember to keep it on you at all times. If you're rushed to a medical centre and don't have it with you, it can be more difficult to get treatment.

You can use the Ghic or Ehic only for state-run medical treatment.

If you end up in a private health centre or hospital, you'll probably have to foot the entire bill yourself, unless you're covered for this by travel insurance. In an emergency situation, most insurers will cover treatment at a private hospital if it's not possible to reach a public one. 

However, they will usually need to authorise the treatment before it takes place, so it's important to contact your insurer as soon as possible if you fall ill.

What if I don't have my card with me?

You might be able to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate, which is a temporary Ghic or Ehic replacement, if you don't have your card with you. It's much easier, though, to present your card on arrival.

If you need a Provisional Replacement Certificate, see the NHS guide to find out what to do.

I have a Ghic or Ehic – do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Many travellers think that having a Ghic or Ehic means they don't need travel insurance, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

Somewhat confusingly, while Ghic and Ehic have 'insurance' in their names, both only help you meet the cost of state-provided medical treatment.

You can't use them for:

• any medical treatment at a private hospital or clinic
• repatriation to the UK
• rescue, for example, from a ski accident, or if you fall ill on a cruise ship
• cancelling or cutting short your holiday
• your luggage going missing or being stolen
• state-provided healthcare in non-EU countries such as the US and Australia (although the government has suggested the Ghic scheme may be expanded).

We therefore strongly advise getting travel insurance for foreign trips of any length.

Will I be covered by Ghic or Ehic if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Both the Ghic and Ehic cover treatment of a chronic or pre-existing condition if the symptoms flare up during your holiday and a visit to a healthcare professional becomes necessary.

They also cover routine medical care for people with pre-existing conditions that need monitoring.

However, you're not covered if you're going abroad specifically to have treatment. Nor are you guaranteed the kind of specialist treatment you might receive at home.

Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can find travel insurance difficult or very expensive to obtain, but there are specialist insurers that can help.

• Find out more: best travel insurance if you have a medical condition 

Could my Ghic or Ehic be refused?

If you're in a country that participates in the Ghic or Ehic scheme, you should be entitled to state medical care if it's necessary while you're travelling.

If your card is refused in a state-run clinic, try to get proof that you presented it at the time, as this could be key to having the excess waived by your insurer. And, if for some reason you think you've been incorrectly charged, you might still be entitled to reimbursement from the NHS.

What if I'm made to pay upfront?

Even if the state-provided care is free, you might have to pay upfront and claim the money back once you return home.

In France, for example, you might have to pay upfront for certain services, although for others a bill may be sent to your home address.

For advice on getting a refund from the NHS, contact the Overseas Healthcare Service on 0191 218 1999.

Keep all receipts in case you need to make a claim on your travel insurance.

More questions on travel insurance? See our guides:

• Best travel insurance
• Best travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
• Best travel insurance for seniors
• Best cruise insurance
• Best ski insurance
• Golf travel insurance explained 
• How to claim on your travel insurance