GHIC on a road trip: what to keep alongside insurance
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A healthcare card and travel insurance do different jobs. The GHIC gives access to some state healthcare in covered places. Insurance covers the rest. Before you set off, check what each traveller has and how you would use each document if care were needed on the road.
Understand what the card covers
The GHIC covers state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK. This includes emergency treatment and A&E visits, and care for long-term or pre-existing conditions (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
The card does not cover medical repatriation, treatment in private medical facilities, or ski or mountain rescue (NHS: healthcare cover abroad). It is not a replacement for travel insurance (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Not all state healthcare is free abroad. You may have to pay what a local resident would pay (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Check where the card works
The GHIC works in EEA countries, Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension. In Switzerland it applies only to certain nationalities and statuses (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Check the list before you travel, because the government is negotiating for wider use. In other countries you pay, unless the UK has a healthcare agreement with that country (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Check the card for every traveller
Each person needs their own card. When you apply, enter your details first, then add your spouse, civil partner or children when prompted (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Cards last up to 5 years. You can apply up to 9 months before your current card expires. An existing EHIC stays valid until its expiry date (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
The GHIC is for people ordinarily and legally resident in the UK. The GHIC is free. Apply only through the official NHS site, because unofficial websites may charge you a fee (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Allow time for delivery. You should get an email decision within 24 hours, so check your junk folder. Approved cards arrive by post within 15 working days (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Check your travel insurance
The NHS advises you to hold private travel and medical insurance for the whole trip. It also tells you to check FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for your destination (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
For policy checks, see insurance and breakdown cover for Europe.
Use the card if you need care
Carry your card and show it to the treating provider. Use a public provider, not a private one. Keep all receipts (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
You may need to pay upfront and claim a refund later. If you have no card, a Provisional Replacement Certificate gives the same cover. Without a card, a certificate or valid cover, you must pay in full and ask for an invoice and a receipt (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Keep records for refunds and charges
To claim a refund, complete the refund claim form. Send it with your receipts and supporting documents to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
If you are charged incorrectly, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. Keep your treatment records, such as receipts, payment confirmations, insurance documents and discharge papers (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
For the wider paperwork list, see the driving in Europe checklist. You can also use the driving abroad checklist tool to build a list for your countries and vehicle.
FAQs
Is the GHIC free?
Yes. The GHIC is free through the official NHS application route. Unofficial websites may charge a fee, so apply only through the NHS site (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Does the GHIC cover repatriation?
No. The GHIC does not cover medical repatriation, which means being flown back to the UK (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
Does the GHIC work in every country on my route?
No. Check the list of places where the card works. In Switzerland it applies only to certain nationalities and statuses (NHS: healthcare cover abroad).
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