| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK residents after Brexit. The GHIC gives you access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as local residents — often free or at a reduced cost. It is free to obtain and valid for 5 years. Crucially, the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance — it does not cover medical repatriation, private treatment, or any costs above what local residents pay. This guide explains everything you need to know about the GHIC in 2026. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key Facts 2026 GHIC cost: Free — only apply via nhsbsa.nhs.uk/GHIC | Covers: necessary medical treatment in EU countries at local rate | Valid for: 5 years | Does NOT replace: travel insurance | Beware: many websites charge for GHIC — only the official NHS site is free | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
GHIC vs EHIC — What Changed After Brexit UK | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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What the GHIC Covers in the EU UK | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How to Apply for a GHIC UK — Free Process | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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GHIC Does Not Replace Travel Insurance UK — Why You Need Both | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The GHIC is a valuable supplement to travel insurance but never a replacement. The GHIC covers only what a local resident would pay for state healthcare — but many significant costs of a medical emergency abroad are not covered: the cost of medical repatriation to the UK (an air ambulance from Spain or Greece can cost £15,000-50,000+); private hospital treatment if the state system is overcrowded; non-urgent treatment; additional accommodation costs if you are too ill to fly home as planned; and any other travel-related costs. Good travel insurance covers all of these. Always carry both your GHIC and a valid travel insurance policy when travelling in the EU. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the GHIC UK? The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free card issued by the NHS Business Services Authority that entitles UK residents to necessary state-provided healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as local residents — often free. It replaced the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for UK residents after Brexit. Apply free at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/GHIC. Is the GHIC free UK? Yes — the GHIC is completely free. The only official application website is nhsbsa.nhs.uk/GHIC. Many third-party websites charge fees to 'apply' for you — these are unnecessary services. Never pay for a GHIC application. Can I still use my old EHIC UK? If your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) was issued before Brexit and has not yet expired, it remains valid in EU countries until its expiry date. Once it expires, apply for a GHIC as a replacement at nhsbsa.nhs.uk/GHIC. Does the GHIC cover Norway and Switzerland UK? No — the GHIC covers EU member states only. It does not cover Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland (which were covered under the old EHIC). UK residents travelling to these countries should ensure their travel insurance has adequate medical cover, as the GHIC does not apply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Guides | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sources: NHS Business Services Authority, GOV.UK, GHIC (nhsbsa.nhs.uk/GHIC), Which?, ABI. Always compare. April 2026. |
GHIC UK 2026: What It Is, How to Get One Free & What It Covers in Europe
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