UK launches Global Health Insurance Card Date published: 13 January 2021
UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU
UK residents will now be able to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to replace European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) when their current EHIC expires.
Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.
Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU.
Monday January 11, 2021, 10:53 PM
A new insurance card enabling UK travellers to access healthcare in the European Union has been launched (Yui Mok/PA) Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
UK travellers will be able to obtain a new insurance card to give them access to healthcare in the European Union.
Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) were launched on Monday as part of the UK’s post-Brexit deal with the EU.
It replaces European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC), which will continue to be valid as long as they are in date.
Travellers only need to apply for a new cards when their EHIC expires.
EHIC and GHIC are not alternatives to travel insurance, and while they cover some free healthcare support in certain countries, not all medical treatment such as private medical healthcare or costs such as being flown back to the UK is included.
Lloyd continued: Travel insurance is all about protecting you and your booked travel arrangements, both before you depart and for the duration of your trip and it’s important to purchase travel insurance to ensure you don’t receive any hidden bills should you require medical attention whilst abroad. There are various reasons that can cause disruptions to your trip and having the right travel insurance policy adds a layer of protection against them.
How to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card for travel in the EU manchestereveningnews.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from manchestereveningnews.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Travellers should still get insurance
Credit: Getty
The Government has now formally launched the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – the scheme replacing the old EHIC arrangements, which gave British citizens access to free or low-cost medical treatment in EU countries. Full details have yet to be announced, but we now know enough to make a broad comparison between the two schemes. Here are the key questions answered.
Why is it important?
The huge benefit of the old EHIC and the new GHIC 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. The official description puts it: “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).” Note that in some countries, state healthcare