GHIC or Travel Insurance:
Do You Need Both?

Do I Need Travel Insurance If I Already Have a GHIC?

Short answer? Yes, you still need travel insurance, even if you have a GHIC.

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can be useful, but it only covers a small part of what can go wrong when you travel. It’s not designed to replace travel insurance, and relying on it alone can leave some pretty expensive gaps.

What Does a GHIC Cover?

A GHIC gives you access to limited state healthcare in certain countries. If you need medically necessary treatment while you’re away, a GHIC means you’ll be treated on the same basis as a local resident.

That might mean reduced costs, or sometimes free treatment - but not always. It’s likely that you’ll still need to pay part of the cost (co-payment), or pay upfront and claim it back later. Your GHIC is not a catch-all. While it might help with part of a hospital bill, it won’t protect you from bigger financial risks.

It’s also crucial to understand that your GHIC is not for worldwide use. It is only valid for use when visiting:

1. A country within the EEA
2. Switzerland (as per residency conditions)
3. Montenegro
4. Jersey
5. Guernsey
6. The Isle of Man
7. Australia
8. Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha

Check here for the GOV.uk information on where you can use your card.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel insurance is designed to cover your entire trip, rather than just medical. It fills in the gaps left behind by the GHIC - especially the expensive ones.

Depending on your policy, cover can include:

1. Emergency medical treatment abroad
2. Medical repatriation back to the UK
3. Cancellation and curtailment
4. Travel disruption and delays
5. Lost or stolen belongings
   
   

The Bottom Line

If you’re wondering whether a GHIC is enough on its own, the honest answer is no. It’s a helpful extra, but it’s not designed to replace travel insurance. It doesn’t cover the biggest risks, and it doesn’t apply everywhere.

UK travel guidance always recommends having both. A GHIC can still be worth taking, as it may reduce the cost of treatment in certain countries. But it should always be backed up with travel insurance that can cover everything else.

When you’re abroad, the last thing you want is to find out what isn’t covered the hard way.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 17TH APRIL 2026