The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) was introduced by the UK government in 2021 as a convenient way to get low-cost or free state healthcare services in EU (European Union) countries. In most cases for UK residents, this has now replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) that previously served the same function.

While any existing EHICs will remain valid until the expiry dates listed on them, most UK residents who need a new card will need to apply for a GHIC. This has changed as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, and the government has indicated that it plans to add more countries to those covered by the GHIC in the future. It is free to apply for a card, and we recommend that you do so before you travel to any EU countries. However, you should be aware that you will also need travel insurance to ensure that you are effectively covered for any accidents that might occur, as neither the EHIC or GHIC replaces travel insurance.

Here, the accidents abroad experts at JMW Solicitors explain the differences between GHIC and EHIC, who can apply, what each is used for, and why it is extremely important to make sure you have one before you go on holiday.

What are GHIC and EHIC?

EHIC

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is a free medical card that provides access to state-supplied healthcare in European Union countries. Introduced to simplify the process of receiving medical treatment while travelling within the EU, the EHIC ensures that individuals can access necessary healthcare services without incurring additional costs.

 While the EHIC is a valuable tool for accessing state healthcare, it is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. Instead, it acts as a supplement, ensuring that you receive essential medical care during your travels. Whether you need emergency treatment or routine medical care, the EHIC helps you get the medical attention you need at the same cost as local residents.

GHIC

The function of the GHIC is to enable you to access medically necessary, state-provided healthcare in European countries. This means that the card covers you for the same types of treatments that are available on the NHS without additional charges, but will not cover every type of medical care. Things you are covered for might include emergency hospital visits and any emergency or routine treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition.

It is important to note that while the GHIC provides access to state healthcare, it does not replace travel insurance, which should include comprehensive healthcare cover, especially for pre-existing conditions.

The GHIC can be used in any EU country and Switzerland, by people in a variety of categories, including:

• Citizens of the UK
• Citizens of Switzerland
• Citizens of any EU member state
• Refugees
• Dependants or family members of people in the above categories

If you have an EHIC, you can also use this in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, as well as any EU member state and Switzerland. However, eligibility for the EHIC changed in January 2021, and has been replaced by the GHIC (which cannot be used in Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway) in most cases. More information about EHIC eligibility can be found below.

You can apply for a GHIC or an EHIC at the NHS website.

Who Can Still Apply for an EHIC?

You can still apply for an EHIC if you are a UK citizen who has been living in the EU (or Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) since 2020 or before. This will also depend on whether you have applied for (and been granted) a certificate of entitlement such as an S1 form (formerly called E106, E109 or E121 forms) or an A1 form.

Conversely, if you are an EU national (or a citizen of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland) who has been residing legally in the UK since 2020 or before, you may still be able to apply for an EHIC. Any of your family members or dependents will also qualify for an EHIC if you yourself are eligible. If you have dual nationality with the UK, you may not be eligible for an EHIC and may need to apply for a GHIC instead.

Who Is Eligible for a UK GHIC or EHIC?

To be eligible for a UK GHIC or EHIC, you must meet specific criteria. For a UK GHIC, you need to be a UK resident and “ordinarily resident” in the UK. This means you live in the UK on a regular basis. Additionally, family members of UK nationals or UK nationals living abroad may also qualify. For a UK EHIC, eligibility extends to UK nationals, their family members, and UK residents who are not UK nationals but hold a UK EHIC.

It’s crucial to stay updated on eligibility criteria, as they may change. Always check with NHS Overseas Healthcare Services for the latest information. If your circumstances change and you no longer meet the eligibility criteria, you should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services to understand your options.

When applying for a UK GHIC or EHIC, you’ll need to provide personal details such as your National Insurance number and NHS number. You can include family members in your application, but remember that each family member needs their own card. If you’ve already completed your application and need to add additional family members, you can contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services for assistance.

Students studying in the EEA or Switzerland may also be eligible for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC. It’s advisable to check with your university or college for more information on how to apply and what documentation is required.

Do I Need a GHIC or EHIC for Travel Insurance?

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland, it is highly recommended that you carry either a GHIC or a valid EHIC. These cards allow access to state healthcare at the same cost as residents, covering medically necessary treatment for accidents, illnesses and pre-existing conditions.

It is also important to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your travel insurance provider to ensure adequate coverage while travelling.

Whether you need a GHIC or EHIC depends on your eligibility. Most UK residents must apply for a GHIC, as the EHIC is only available to specific groups, such as UK nationals who were living in the EU before 2021. If you still have a valid EHIC, you can continue using it until it expires.

However, neither card is a substitute for travel insurance. A GHIC or EHIC does not cover private medical care, repatriation costs, or lost income due to an accident. If you are injured abroad and require medical treatment that is not covered by the local state healthcare system, you may need to pay for some or all of your treatment.

For those travelling to Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, a GHIC will not provide cover. Only an EHIC can be used in these countries, but since most UK travellers can no longer apply for one, private travel insurance is essential.

Before travelling, always check your destination’s healthcare agreements and ensure you have the correct documentation in place. Having a GHIC or EHIC alongside comprehensive travel insurance provides the best protection against unexpected medical expenses.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured Abroad and Need Emergency Treatment?

If you sustain an injury abroad that was not your fault, you can access emergency medical treatment using your GHIC. If you have registered for a GHIC, but you do not have it with you when you are injured and you need state healthcare while travelling in Europe, you can apply for a provisional replacement certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to any healthcare you need.

Having appropriate healthcare cover is essential to ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment without incurring significant out-of-pocket expenses.

If you do not have a GHIC, you may be required to pay for any medical treatment you need. In either case, if you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation. If you find that you have to pay for your medical treatment yourself, compensation can help you to offset these costs and any additional expenses associated with your injury.

The personal injury solicitors at JMW have significant experience in helping those who have been injured in accidents while on holiday or travelling abroad. While it is impossible to anticipate everything that might happen, you can protect yourself by making careful preparations. If you have suffered an accident abroad, compensation could help to cover any additional expenses you incurred as a result, or pay for any lifestyle adjustments you need to make while you recover.