GHIC Common Question

Why do I need travel insurance if I have GHIC?

It is usually advisable to have both travel insurance and GHIC because the latter only pays for visits to the A&E or to see a doctor who is a part of the public healthcare system. Since many EU countries have public healthcare facilities that are far from popular tourist areas, trying to go to them in the event of a medical emergency will not be practical. Additionally, a GHIC holder will not be eligible for any rescue services or air ambulance repatriation to the UK. Therefore, it is advised to have your GHIC and enough travel insurance so that you are covered for other eventualities like theft, flight cancellations, etc.

Do I qualify for a reimbursement for medical expenditures if I have a GHIC?

Not necessarily, as the GHIC won’t typically reimburse you for any medical expenses you could incur. When its predecessor, the EHIC, was introduced, the goal was for UK people to have the same access to EU public healthcare as other local residents of the EU country they were visiting. The GHIC operates in the same manner, and there are no fees in nations where the public healthcare system is free. However, the GHIC holder will also be required to pay the same sum in some countries where residents are required to make a minimal contribution toward medical expenses. It could consist of expenses for boarding, lodging etc

My GHIC: How do I obtain it?

If your EHIC has expired, you must get a new one. The UK government will typically give a replacement card called a GHIC if you need one, and you can apply for one online by going to the NHS website. In order to make the process considerably simpler and hassle-free, there is also the option to obtain it through the postal service or hire a third-party service provider.

The GHIC is valid where?

The EHIC is accepted everywhere in the EU, as well as in Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand. The inclusion of other countries in a future reciprocal agreement is being discussed. The majority of EU tourist destinations in the Mediterranean have regular tourists with EHIC/GHIC cards, making it easy and practical to use the card there. Only in remote locations, where there hasn’t been any engagement with international tourists using these cards, may it take longer.

Can a citizen of Europe use the NHS?

Since the GHIC and EHIC have reciprocal agreements with EU nations, their citizens can access emergency care whenever necessary at the NHS. The norms and limitations are still in effect to prevent travellers from coming to the nation specifically to receive medical attention. EU citizens who have valid EHIC cards can still use them in the UK in case of an emergency.

Do family members need separate cards?

One EHIC card cannot be used for multiple family members. When travelling to any country in the EU, each person is required to obtain their own EHIC card. All of the children must each have their own cards, and the spouse must also have her own card. Any child who is 16 years old or older may apply for their card on their own own; for younger children, their parents may apply on their behalf.

How much time may I use my GHIC?The GHIC has the same five-year validity as the EHIC starting from the date of issuance. In the winter of 2020, a large number of EHIC holders renewed their cards; as a result, these cards are still valid for use for about another three years. To continue using your EHIC when travelling to any EU country if your EHIC has expired or is about to, apply for a new card that will serve as its replacement, the GHIC.