Europe travel: Can I get an EHIC replacement? How to apply for a new GHIC
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On January 1, 2021, new post-Brexit rules meant that Britons are no longer able to get new European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC). These cards have since been replaced by the new Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) for British tourists.
What is a GHIC?
According to Gov.uk: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
“If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card.
“Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it.”
Much like the EHIC, a GHIC does not replace travel insurance, so holidaymakers are still advised to take out a comprehensive policy ahead of their travels.
You can use a GHIC if you are travelling to an EU country.
If you fall ill or are injured while visiting an EU country, a GHIC will entitle you to the same emergency or necessary state healthcare as local citizens.
However, much like the EHIC, GHIC does not cover every single scenario.
For example, medical repatriation and private treatment are not included.
There are different rules for using your GHIC or EHIC card in Switzerland.
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To use your GHIC or EHIC in Switzerland, you must be one of the following:
- a British national
- a Swiss national
- an EU citizen
- a refugee
- a stateless person
the dependant or survivor of someone with one of these nationalities or statuses
You cannot use a GHIC or an existing EHIC in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
How to apply for a GHIC
You can apply for a GHIC for free on the NHS website.
The Government warns against applying through third party websites, saying: “Some websites charge to help you apply – these are unnecessary and you do not need to use them.”
In order to apply for a GHIC you will need to provide:
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your date of birth
- Your National Insurance or NHS number if applying from England or Wales
- Your CHI number if applying from Scotland
- Your Health and Care number is applying from Northern Ireland
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