GHIC – Your Guide to the Global Health Insurance Card
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is designed specifically for UK citizens offering vital health protection while traveling. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of GHIC, its advantages over previous cards, and how it can make your journeys safer and more enjoyable.
What Is a GHIC?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is an essential travel document for UK residents. Unlike its predecessor, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which facilitated access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries, the GHIC enable UK citizens to access the same healthcare services they enjoyed with the EHIC. All UK nationals who meet the specified criteria can obtain a GHIC. Individuals holding a valid EHIC can continue to use it until it expires; however, once it is no longer valid, they must apply for a GHIC, as the EHIC will cease to be accepted.
Who Qualifies for a GHIC?
If you’re a British citizen or a legal citizen of the UK, you might be wondering whether you qualify for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Eligibility isn’t just about citizenship; it also hinges on your residency status and contributions to the UK’s National Insurance system. If you’re not currently a recipient of healthcare but can demonstrate that you pay National Insurance in the UK, you may still be able to apply.
It’s important to note that family members of eligible individuals can also benefit from the GHIC. This interconnectedness allows families to travel together, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary healthcare services abroad.
How to Get a GHIC?
Obtaining a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your travel experience across Europe.
- Start by visiting the official NHS website, where you’ll find a simple online application form.
- Make sure to have your National Insurance number and personal details handy, as these will be required to streamline the process.
- Fill application form online, apply at least six month before EHIC expire.
- Application for a new GHIC is free of charge.
- To ensure you are on the right track, always access the official government website when submitting your application.
- Be aware of fraudulent websites that may try to mislead you into providing sensitive information or charging unnecessary fees. These sites often mimic official pages but are not government-approved, putting your data at risk.
How Long Does It Take to Get a GHIC Card?
Obtaining a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a straightforward process. Once you’ve submitted your application — whether online or via post — you can expect to receive your GHIC card within a few weeks or even after few months. Various factors can influence this timeline, such as the volume of applications being processed or any specific verification requirements that may arise.
What If I Don’t Have a GHIC With Me?
If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you can obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) by contacting the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). This certificate serves as a temporary replacement for your GHIC, ensuring that you can receive treatment without significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Contact number for NHSBSA is- +44 (0)191 218 1999.
What Does a GHIC Cover?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) offers essential coverage for UK residents traveling within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. While many people associate health insurance with emergencies, GHIC goes beyond that by covering routine maternity care, oxygen therapy, and dialysis. This ensures that individuals with chronic conditions can access necessary treatments while abroad.
GHIC does not guarantee free healthcare in all situations, as some national healthcare services may charge fees — unlike the NHS. For those suffering from pre-existing conditions, planning is key. If you need ongoing treatment, it’s advisable to pre-arrange your care before leaving the UK to ensure continuity and avoid potential pitfalls.
Where Can I Use My GHIC?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) opens doors to essential healthcare services across the European Union and the European Economic Area. With this card, you can access public health services in 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, often at the same cost as local residents.
It’s crucial to understand that the GHIC does not cover everything. GHIC is a valuable tool, combining it with travel insurance ensures comprehensive coverage.
Do I Need Travel Insurance With My GHIC?
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to essential healthcare services across EU countries, it’s crucial to understand its limitations. GHIC can cover necessary medical treatment, but it does not cover emergency repatriation or other medical needs that might arise during your travels. This is where travel insurance comes into play, filling the gaps that the GHIC leaves behind.
Do I Need a GHIC as a Student?
As a student, understanding your healthcare options while studying abroad is crucial, and the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) plays a significant role in that equation. To apply for a GHIC, you need a letter from your university that includes essential information about your enrollment status. GHIC provides access to necessary medical services in the EU and Switzerland, but it’s important to remember that you can only use it in your country of study. If your academic journey took you to another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland you might still qualify for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which can further enhance your healthcare coverage.
Can I Still Use My EHIC?
If you’re a legal resident in the EU or EEA and possess a valid S1 or A1 form, you might still be able to use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for necessary healthcare services while traveling. It’s essential to note that if you’re also a UK national, your eligibility is limited, and you may not qualify for continued EHIC use. For family members of those eligible, understanding your rights can be crucial; for instance, if you’re a Chen or Ibrahim/Teixeira carer, your situation may offer unique considerations regarding healthcare access.
The term “Chen or Ibrahim/Teixeira carer” pertains to the rights of residence in the EU based on derivative status. A Chen carer typically acts as a legal guardian for a child who is a national of an EEA country. In contrast, Ibrahim/Teixeira relates to children of EEA nationals (such as workers or farmers) who are pursuing their education in the UK. To determine your eligibility for these classifications, it is advisable to seek guidance from a legal expert.
You can use your EHIC until it expires, planning ahead is vital. Once your card reaches its expiration date, you’ll need to transition to the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which offers similar benefits but with some differences in coverage.
What Is a New UK EHIC?
The new UK EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) represents an extension of the already existing EHIC for British citizens, ensuring that they maintain essential access to healthcare while traveling within Europe. With the post-Brexit landscape continuously evolving, the UK EHIC not only safeguards health rights but also reinforces the importance of reciprocal healthcare arrangements across borders.
What Is the Difference Between a GHIC, an EHIC, and a New UK EHIC?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) serve similar purposes, but they cater to different audiences. The EHIC, is available for EU citizens. Post-Brexit, the GHIC has emerged for UK residents. The new UK EHIC is a development aimed at bridging the gap for UK citizens traveling to the EU post-Brexit. Its scope is narrower and more focused on specific agreements between the UK and individual EU countries.
| UK EHIC | UK GHIC | |
| EU countries and Switzerland. | YES | YES |
| Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland. | YES | NO |
| Other countries (with future amendments) | NO | YES |
What If I’m a Dual Citizen?
If you hold dual citizenship, particularly as a British citizen via naturalisation and another EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic, or Liechtenstein citizen. You may find that you can receive a new UK EHIC if your circumstances align, especially if you were previously covered under the European Health Insurance Card scheme.
If your status doesn’t qualify for the EHIC, the GHIC becomes your go-to option. The GHIC offers essential coverage for medically necessary care during your visits to EU countries, albeit with some differences in terms of scope compared to its predecessor.
People Born in the UK
For people born in the UK who hold dual citizenship, navigating the intricacies of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can seem daunting. GHIC is primarily designed for those holding UK citizenship, dual citizens must be mindful of the implications their additional nationality may have on healthcare access across Europe. For instance, if your other nationality grants you residency in a non-EU country, you might find yourself in a grey area regarding eligibility for benefits under the GHIC.
People Living in Ireland
Living in Ireland as a state pensioner from the UK or as a frontier worker brings a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. With the introduction of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), UK pensioners can access essential health services.
For frontier workers — those commuting to the UK for employment while residing in Ireland may be able to get a new UK EHIC. If you are an Irish citizen and qualify for a new UK EHIC, you cannot apply online for your card— you need to contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is an invaluable tool for European citizens seeking medical assistance while traveling within the EU. Its introduction not only simplifies the process of accessing healthcare but also reinforces the notion that health is a universal right. With the GHIC, travelers can rest assured knowing they are covered for necessary medical treatment, thereby enhancing their overall travel experience. It is imperative for individuals to familiarize themselves with this card and ensure they possess it before embarking on their adventures.
FAQ
Does the GHIC cover all medical treatments?
The GHIC covers medically necessary treatments but does not cover planned procedures, private healthcare, or costs like repatriation.
Can I use my GHIC in non-EU countries?
The GHIC is primarily for use in EU countries and some others that have agreements with the UK. Check specific country guidelines for coverage details.
How long is the GHIC valid for?
The GHIC is typically valid for up to five years, after which you will need to renew it to continue accessing healthcare services abroad.
Is the GHIC free of charge?
Yes, applying for and receiving a GHIC is free of charge for eligible UK residents.
