The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the old EHIC arrangements, which gave British citizens access to free or low-cost medical treatment in the EU and some other countries.
The huge benefit of the scheme is that people who find it hard to get full insurance cover because they have pre-existing medical conditions can travel knowing that, if they need emergency treatment, they can use the local public health system without facing a huge bill. Here are some of your key questions answered.
What does a GHIC cover?
The official description says: “Your GHIC entitles you to free or reduced cost state-provided healthcare where treatment becomes medically necessary during a temporary visit to the European Union (EU).”
Is it really free?
The reduced cost proviso applies to some countries, such as France whose state healthcare systems charge their citizens for treatment. It is usually only a small amount, but you will have to pay it and will not be able to claim the money back.
What if I need urgent treatment in the EU and I don’t have an EHIC or a GHIC?
During office hours you can call the Overseas Healthcare Services (0191 218 1999), which can issue a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to cover under the GHIC arrangements.
Who is entitled to a GHIC?
Entitlement is not based on your nationality, but on your residency status in the UK.
All those ordinarily resident in this country will be entitled to one and will need to provide evidence to that effect when applying. Some British citizens – students studying in an EU country, and some pensioners resident abroad – should check their entitlements here, or through the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services team on 0191 218 1999.
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC rather than a UK GHIC. Like the UK GHIC, it’s free and lasts up to five years.
Which countries does it cover?
The GHIC will cover you in the European Economic Area (EEA) – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden – and also Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan and Ascension Island.
And you can use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if you are a British national.
How should I apply for the GHIC?
If you still have a valid EHIC, then it will remain valid in most countries (see below) until its expiry date. But you can order a new GHIC up to nine months before the expiry of an existing card. You can also order one for your partner and any dependent children.
Online applications should be made via the Government site, which links directly to the relevant page on the NHS website.
There is also a phone number (0300 330 1350), this is an automated service and you will need either your National Insurance number or your National Health Service number to hand.
Or you could print off the online application form and apply by post. Applications usually take between seven to 10 days to process, but longer for postal applications.
Once your application has been approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days. It will be sent to you by post.
How long does a GHIC last?
Once issued the GHIC last five years. You can apply for a new card up to nine months before your current card expires.
Anything I should watch for?
Absolutely. The GHIC card is issued free of charge, so do not be duped by third-party websites which offer to provide you with one for a fee.
These used to plague the old EHIC system and have now sprung up again almost instantly with the introduction of the new card. So use only the official websites and no others. If you are asked to pay, you are on the wrong site.
What about cover in other countries?
The global adjective applied to the new card refers to the reciprocal healthcare arrangements which the UK already has in place for urgent treatment with 16 other countries outside the EU, notably the Balkan countries and Australia and New Zealand.
Full details are in the travel advice sections for each country on the FCDO website.
Source: MSN (Story by Nick Trend)