What is an EHIC or GHIC?

The GHIC has replaced the EHIC, but you can still use your EHIC for as long as it is valid. GHIC stands for Global Health Insurance Card, and is free to obtain from the official NHS website - www.nhs.uk/ehic. 

A GHIC enables you to receive necessary state-funded healthcare on the same basis as a resident in the country you’re visiting. This doesn’t mean the treatment is free, and the card doesn’t replace travel insurance, but it can result in reduced fees or excess waivers.

You can use it in all EEA countries, as well as a few others. Here are those countries:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Republic of Cyprus
6. Czech Republic
7. Denmark
8. Estonia
9. Finland
10. France
11. Germany
12. Greece
13. Hungary
14. Iceland (GHIC only)
15. Ireland
16. Italy
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein (GHIC only)
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. Netherlands
23. Norway (GHIC only)
24. Poland
25. Portugal
26. Romania
27. Slovakia
28. Slovenia
29. Spain
30. Sweden
31. Switzerland (UK nationals, Swiss nationals, and EU citizens only)

Related FAQs

1. What is travel insurance?
2. Do I actually need travel insurance?
3. When should I buy my travel insurance?
4. I’m travelling today - can I get cover?
5. Can I get travel insurance if I’ve already travelled?
6. How do you define a UK resident?
7. Is there an excess?
8. Do I need to tell you each time I travel on an annual policy?
9. Can my family travel separately under an Annual Multi-Trip policy?
10. Can I make changes to my policy after I've bought it?
11. Can I extend my policy from abroad?
12. Can I use this policy to work abroad?
13. Should I take an EHIC/GHIC?
14. What if the FCDO advises against travel?
15. How do I cancel my policy?
16. Where are my policy documents?