Ensure you have health coverage with the GHIC

Offering excellent healthcare is one of the most critical aspects for any nation. Because of the hectic lifestyles, we lead in most countries, our health is impacted in a myriad of ways with a wide variety of illnesses that need to be dealt with for people to enjoy a decent quality of life.  More and more countries are striving to provide quality healthcare facilities at an economical cost with the GHIC one such step in that direction. 

Global Health Insurance Card 

UK citizens that qualify for social security are issued a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). As per a reciprocal agreement between the EU and the UK government, GHIC holders are eligible to receive healthcare facilities in all the EU countries. The GHIC started being issued by the NHS in January 2021 and it replaced the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) used earlier. Those still holding valid EHIC can use it until it expires and at the time of renewal exchange it for the GHIC. The EHIC is still valid in the UK and the EU as well as the Economic European Area and Switzerland.  However, the GHIC is not valid in Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. Those needing to renew their EHIC can do it online and they will receive GHIC as a replacement card.      

Benefits of the GHIC 

Having a GHIC will ensure that the individual receives treatment at a lower cost or even free all over the EU. All necessary and emergency medical treatments are covered including pre-existing conditions and accidents. However, those travelling specifically for low-cost medical assistance are not covered. Anyone experiencing any medical issue while on a trip to the EU is covered with the GHIC although everything may not be free because of the different healthcare system in the country. While some nations offer free treatment others may charge a small amount called co-payment. In some instances, there may be a need to pay upfront for treatment with the sum later refunded. 

Whatever the rules in different nations of the EU, having the GHIC will ensure an individual will pay the same cost for medical facilities in that country as its citizens. To register an individual must visit the NHS website and complete the details asked for. It will include their date of birth, full name, the National Insurance or NHS number and their address. It is free to register at the NHS site.  

Things to be aware of about GHIC 

In contrast to the EHIC, every family member must possess an individual GHIC for themself. It has helped to solve the problem faced by many families that were EHIC holders when different family members visited different countries at the same time and the EHIC could only be carried and used by one member. For children that are less than 16 years of age, the guardians or parents need to apply on their behalf. 

The application process is different for students that intend to study abroad and are citizens of the UK. For this, the student needs to register for a time-restricted GHIC that will last for the course duration. Along with basic info, the applicant must give the address and name of the college or institute, the course details, the date of joining and the duration of the complete course. Since all this extra information is required to be eligible for the GHIC, a student can't apply for the card online. Instead, the application must be sent to the following address: Overseas Healthcare Services, NHS Business Services Authority, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Thyme, NE1 6SN.

Having the GHIC card when travelling in the European Union has several benefits, so it should be always carried with the individual. However, having the GHIC does not mean that travel insurance is to be neglected because the latter covers many other aspects not provided for under the GHIC.  If an individual needs treatment while on a trip in the EU and they have lost or forgotten the card they can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate, which will offer the same benefits as the GHIC and prevent any unnecessary extra expenses on medical treatment.