ℹ️ Quick answer: You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge through the official NHS website at nhsbsa.nhs.uk. It takes a few minutes, arrives within 15 working days, and should be applied for at least 2 weeks before you travel. Key facts at a glance: |
What Is a UK GHIC?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a free card issued by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care. It gives UK residents access to state-provided, medically necessary healthcare when visiting the EU and a growing number of other countries.
In practical terms, it allows you to receive treatment at the same cost as a local resident in those countries. Depending on the country:
- Treatment may be free (as it would be for a local resident)
- Treatment may be subsidised or discounted
- You may be required to pay a local co-payment, even with a GHIC
| ⚠️ One of the most common misunderstandings: A GHIC does not mean free healthcare everywhere you travel in the EU. Local co-payment rules apply. In France, for example, you may pay a portion of the consultation fee. In Germany, hospital fees may apply. The GHIC reduces your costs to the local rate — it does not guarantee zero cost. |
The GHIC covers emergency and medically necessary care that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK. This includes treatment for pre-existing and long-term conditions that flare up during your stay. It does not cover treatment you have travelled specifically to receive.
GHIC vs EHIC: What’s the Difference in 2026?
The GHIC was introduced after Brexit to replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK residents. However, both cards are still in circulation, and it is important to understand how they differ.
UK GHIC | UK EHIC | |
Who it’s for | Most UK residents (standard card from 2021) | People with Withdrawal Agreement rights; some S1/A1 holders |
Coverage — EU (27 countries) | Yes | Yes |
Coverage — Switzerland | Yes (UK, EU, Swiss nationals and specified groups only) | Yes (all UK residents) |
Coverage — Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein | Yes (from January 2024) | Yes |
Coverage — Montenegro | Yes | No |
Coverage — Australia | Yes (as proof for Medicare enrolment) | Yes (same) |
Coverage — Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man | Yes | Yes |
Coverage — St Helena, Ascension, Tristan da Cunha | Yes | No |
Validity | Up to 5 years | Valid until expiry date on card |
Currently in use (2026) | Primary card for new applicants | ~1 million still valid; expiring through 2026 |
| ⚠️ 2026 expiry wave: According to data from the NHS Business Services Authority, approximately 1,285,250 GHICs and 926,954 EHICs are due to expire in 2026. If your card is among them, apply for a GHIC renewal as soon as possible — you can do so up to 9 months before your current card expires. |
Who Is Eligible for a UK GHIC?
Eligibility is based on UK residency, not nationality. You do not need to be a British citizen to apply. You can usually get a UK GHIC if:
- You are ordinarily and lawfully resident in the UK. This includes British citizens, people with settled or pre-settled status, and other lawful residents.
- You are not covered by another EEA country’s state healthcare system.
- You hold an S1 form and live in the EEA or Switzerland (for example, UK state pension recipients receiving NHS-covered treatment abroad).
- You hold an A1 document issued by the UK (for example, workers temporarily posted abroad by a UK employer).
- You are a family member or dependant of someone who qualifies under the above categories.
| ⚠️ You must be eligible at the time you receive treatment abroad — not just at the time of application. If your circumstances change (for example, you move abroad or your immigration status changes), you may no longer be entitled to use the card. Contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services if you are unsure. Using a GHIC without entitlement may result in being charged the full cost of treatment or facing penalties. |
How to Apply for a GHIC in the UK: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is straightforward and takes a few minutes online.
Step 1: Go to the Official NHS Website
Apply through the official NHS GHIC application service, managed by the NHS Business Services Authority. The URL is nhsbsa.nhs.uk or accessible via GOV.UK. The GHIC is completely free, any website asking you to pay a fee is not affiliated with the official NHS service. Some unofficial ‘copycat’ sites charge for processing; these are not required and the service they provide is available free directly from the NHS.
Step 2: Enter Your Personal Details
You will need to provide:
✓ Full name (as it appears on your ID)
✓ Current UK address
✓ Date of birth
✓ National Insurance (NI) number
✓ Health and Care number (Northern UK residents only)
As of 2025, a driving licence is accepted as an alternative form of ID where the system requires additional verification. No photos are required — the system pulls relevant data from NHS records.
Step 3: Add Family Members
Each person needs their own GHIC, but you can add family members during your application. This typically includes your spouse or civil partner, and dependent children. Enter your own details first, then add others during the process.
Step 4: Submit and Confirm
After submitting:
✓ You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. Check your spam or junk folder if it does not appear in your inbox.
✓ Additional identity checks may be carried out in some cases. You may be asked to provide supporting documents.
Step 5: Receive Your Card
Your GHIC is delivered by post and usually arrives within 15 working days of approval. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date, and ideally earlier during peak seasons (spring and summer) when processing volumes are higher.
| ⚠️ Scam warning: Several unofficial websites charge fees (typically £25–£40) to ‘process’ GHIC applications. While it is not unlawful to charge for a forwarding service, these sites are misleading and the service is entirely unnecessary. Always apply directly at nhsbsa.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about an unofficial site, report it to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or to National Trading Standards. |
What If Your Card Hasn’t Arrived? Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC)
If you have applied for a GHIC but it has not yet arrived — or if you have forgotten or lost your card while abroad — you can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).
The PRC provides the same level of cover as a GHIC and can be used in all the same countries. You can obtain one by:
- Contacting the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services before you travel if your card has not arrived in time.
- Calling NHS Overseas Healthcare Services from abroad if you have lost your card and need treatment.
| ⚠️ If you receive treatment abroad without a GHIC, EHIC, or PRC, you may be required to pay the full cost of treatment upfront. Keep all invoices, receipts, and proof of payment so you can submit a refund claim on your return. Do not assume the hospital or clinic will wait for you to produce a card later. |
Students: Applying for a UK Student GHIC or EHIC
If you are a UK-based student studying or completing a placement in the EU or Switzerland, you may be eligible for a student health card. Which card you need depends on when your course started:
| When your course started | Card you need |
| Before 1 January 2021 | UK Student EHIC (Withdrawal Agreement rights may apply) |
| On or after 1 January 2021 | UK Student GHIC |
To apply, you will need a letter from your university or college confirming:
✓ The institution’s name and address
✓ Where you will be studying (EEA country or Switzerland)
✓ Your course details and subject area
✓ Start and end dates of your study period
✓ Your permanent UK home address
If your UK address is not included in the university letter, you may need to supply additional proof of your UK address separately.
How Long Is a GHIC Valid? Renewal Rules
| Validity detail | Rule |
| Standard validity | Up to 5 years from date of issue |
| Covers | Multiple trips within the validity period — no need to reapply between trips |
| Earliest renewal | Up to 9 months before your current card expires |
| Renewal process | Same online process as original application — free of charge |
| After expiry | You must apply for a new card — an expired GHIC or EHIC is not valid for treatment abroad |
Where Can You Use Your UK GHIC? Complete Country Coverage
The GHIC is accepted in all 27 EU member states plus a growing list of non-EU countries. Coverage has expanded significantly since the card launched in 2021, with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein added in January 2024.
EU Member States (all 27)
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, UK, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
EFTA / EEA Countries
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway (reciprocal agreements effective January 2024), Switzerland (effective 2022 — note: GHIC only covers UK, EU, and Swiss nationals and certain other specified groups in Switzerland; for all-resident EHIC-equivalent coverage, check current NHS guidance).
Other Countries and Territories
| Country / territory | Notes |
| Australia | GHIC accepted as proof of eligibility to enrol in Medicare for necessary treatment. Reciprocal agreement effective 2022. |
| Montenegro | GHIC only — not covered by UK EHIC. Emergency treatment is generally free; medicines and some other care may require payment. |
| Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man | UK residents entitled to state healthcare on the same basis as local residents. |
| St Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha | GHIC only — not covered by UK EHIC. |
| Republic of UK | UK residents are automatically entitled to state healthcare as if they were Irish citizens. Show proof of UK residency (passport or driving licence). No GHIC or EHIC required. |
| Turkey | NOT covered. UK-issued GHIC and EHIC are not valid in Turkey. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance. |
| USA, Canada, New Zealand | Not covered by GHIC for state healthcare. Separate reciprocal arrangements exist for New Zealand but the GHIC is not proof of entitlement. Full travel insurance essential. |
| ⚠️ Important: Turkey is now one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers but is not covered by the GHIC or EHIC. As Turkey has overtaken Spain in overall popularity for some UK traveller demographics, this is a significant practical warning. If you are travelling to Turkey, comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is essential. |
The UK is continuing to expand its network of reciprocal healthcare agreements. The government also has bilateral agreements (not always requiring GHIC) with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and several British Overseas Territories. Always check GOV.UK for the most current coverage list before you travel.
What Does the GHIC Cover?
The GHIC covers medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays abroad — that is, treatment which cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK. It covers treatment under the visited country’s state healthcare system, not private healthcare.
| Covered by GHIC | Not covered by GHIC |
| Emergency treatment (A&E, ambulance) | Private healthcare in any country |
| Treatment for pre-existing or long-term conditions that become necessary during your trip | Medical repatriation (being flown back to the UK) |
| Routine maternity care (but NOT planned birth abroad) | Mountain rescue, ski rescue, or adventure sports incidents |
| Care that cannot wait until you return to the UK | Treatment you have specifically travelled abroad to receive |
| Some scheduled treatments (e.g. dialysis, chemotherapy) if arranged in advance | Trip cancellation, lost luggage, or other travel risks |
For scheduled treatments such as dialysis or chemotherapy, you must arrange care in advance with the foreign healthcare provider and confirm GHIC coverage before travelling. Do not assume these will be available on demand. Check the NHS website or contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services for country-specific guidance.
| ✅ Real-world insight: A GHIC holder who needed emergency surgery in Bulgaria in early 2025 reported that the card covered the full cost of the operation at a public hospital. In Spain, another user received emergency facial treatment at a public hospital at no charge after being advised by a paramedic to go to a public rather than private facility. These outcomes depend on following correct procedures — always identify yourself as a GHIC holder and go to a state (public) facility. |
Co-Payments Abroad: What You May Still Need to Pay
A common source of surprise is that even with a valid GHIC, you may still be required to pay local co-payments — the same contributions that local residents pay in those countries. This is not a refund issue; it is simply how state healthcare is structured in those countries.
| Country | Typical co-payment rules |
| France | You typically pay upfront and receive a refund of 70–80% from the Caisse d’Assurance Maladie. The remaining 20–30% is normally not refundable under the GHIC. |
| Germany | Hospital day fees and some outpatient charges may apply, mirroring what local insured patients pay. |
| Spain | State emergency care is generally free. Outpatient prescription charges may apply. |
| Italy | Co-payments (ticket) for outpatient specialist care and some diagnostics may apply. |
| Netherlands | An annual deductible (eigen risico) applies to Dutch healthcare; visitors may face similar charges. |
| ⚠️ Co-payments are generally not refundable under the GHIC scheme. This is one of the practical reasons the UK government strongly advises having comprehensive travel insurance alongside your GHIC — some travel insurance policies will cover the portion of costs not recovered through the GHIC. |
How to Claim a Refund If You Paid for Treatment
If you paid for eligible state treatment abroad, you may be able to claim a refund:
✓ Keep all original receipts, invoices, discharge papers, and proof of payment.
✓ Note whether the treatment was at a state (public) or private facility. Only state-provided treatment is eligible.
✓ Complete a refund claim form and submit it to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on your return.
✓ Include any insurance documents if your insurer paid some of the cost.
| ℹ️ Important: Local co-payments are not refundable. You will only be reimbursed for amounts that would not have been charged to local residents under the same circumstances. If you believe you were wrongly charged (i.e. charged more than a local resident would have paid), contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services with your documentation and they will review your case. |
You Still Need Travel Insurance: Why the GHIC Is Not Enough
The UK government strongly advises carrying travel insurance even when you have a valid GHIC. This is not just a legal formality — it reflects significant practical gaps in what the GHIC covers.
Risk | GHIC covers? |
| Emergency state medical treatment | Yes (at local resident rates) |
| Private medical treatment | No |
| Medical repatriation to the UK | No — can cost tens of thousands of pounds |
| Mountain rescue or ski patrol | No |
| Trip cancellation or curtailment | No |
| Lost or stolen baggage | No |
| Flight delays or missed connections | No |
| Personal liability | No |
| 24/7 emergency assistance line | No |
Medical repatriation in particular can be extremely expensive — flights with medical support can cost £10,000–£50,000 or more depending on location and condition severity. A standard annual travel insurance policy typically costs a fraction of this and covers all of the gaps above.
Common Problems When Applying for a GHIC (and How to Avoid Them)
Problem | How to avoid it |
| Using an unofficial website that charges fees | Always apply at nhsbsa.nhs.uk. The application is free. Report scam sites to Citizens Advice (0808 223 1133). |
| Entering an incorrect National Insurance number | Double-check before submitting. A mismatch is one of the most common causes of delays. |
| Not receiving a confirmation email | Check spam and junk folders. If nothing after 24 hours, contact NHSBSA. |
| Applying too close to the travel date | Apply at least 15 working days before travel. Apply earlier during peak seasons. |
| Assuming a valid EHIC no longer works | It does — until it expires. Once expired, apply for a GHIC. |
| Forgetting to renew before expiry | You can renew up to 9 months early. Check your card’s expiry date on the front. |
| Assuming the GHIC covers private treatment | It does not. Identify yourself at a state (public) facility to use your GHIC. |
What to Do If You Are Incorrectly Charged for Treatment
If you believe you were wrongly charged for medical care that should have been covered under your GHIC:
✓ Keep all receipts, invoices, payment confirmations, discharge papers, and insurance documents.
✓ Contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services with a full account of your treatment, the facility, the country, and the costs incurred.
✓ hey will assess whether your treatment was eligible under the GHIC and, if so, arrange reimbursement for the eligible costs.
If treatment was provided at a private facility, NHS Overseas Healthcare Services are unlikely to be able to help — this is where your travel insurance policy becomes relevant.
Reporting Suspected GHIC or EHIC Fraud
If you believe someone has fraudulently applied for or used a GHIC or EHIC, report it to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority:
- Email: [email protected]
- Only reports related to GHIC or EHIC misuse will receive a response from this address.
Using a GHIC or EHIC without being entitled to do so at the time of treatment is fraud. This may result in liability for the full cost of treatment and potential legal consequences.
Real-Life Scenarios: Using Your GHIC Abroad
Scenario 1: Broken ankle in Spain
| You fall and break your ankle while on holiday in Malaga. Action: Go to a state (public) hospital. Show your GHIC at reception. Emergency treatment should be provided at no cost to you. What GHIC covers: A&E, X-ray, plastering, follow-up appointment if within your trip. What GHIC does not cover: If you need to fly home early in a medical aircraft, or if you chose to go to a private clinic. |
Scenario 2: Diabetic emergency in France
| You have Type 1 diabetes and need urgent insulin and treatment in Paris. Action: Present your GHIC at a public hospital. This is treatment for a pre-existing condition that became necessary — it is covered. Important: You may be required to pay local co-payments. Keep receipts. You can apply for a partial refund from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on return. What GHIC covers: Emergency treatment and medically necessary care for pre-existing conditions. |
Scenario 3: Ski accident in Italy
| You are injured on the slopes in the Italian Dolomites and require mountain rescue. What GHIC covers: Hospital treatment at a state facility once you arrive at the hospital. What GHIC does NOT cover: The mountain rescue service itself (helicopter rescue can cost thousands of euros). Travel insurance with ski and mountain rescue cover is essential for this scenario. |
Scenario 4: Travelling to Turkey
| You are travelling to Istanbul and fall ill. GHIC coverage: None. Turkey is not covered under any UK reciprocal healthcare agreement that accepts the GHIC. Action required: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. Present your insurance policy to the hospital or clinic. |
Common Misconceptions About the GHIC
Misconception | Reality |
“The EHIC is no longer valid” | Valid EHICs can still be used until their expiry date. After expiry, apply for a GHIC. |
| “GHIC means free healthcare anywhere in Europe” | Coverage depends on the country’s healthcare system. Co-payments may still apply. Always go to a state facility. |
| “I don’t need travel insurance if I have a GHIC” | Travel insurance is strongly advised. The GHIC does not cover repatriation, private treatment, cancellation, or other travel risks. |
| “The GHIC covers me in Turkey” | Turkey is not covered by the GHIC scheme. |
| “I can use the GHIC to plan treatment abroad” | The GHIC covers medically necessary care that cannot wait. Treatment you travel specifically to receive is not covered. |
| “A GHIC card is the same as EHIC in all countries” | There are differences — the GHIC also covers Montenegro and the British Overseas Territories listed above; the EHIC does not. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apply free online through the official NHS website (nhsbsa.nhs.uk). You will need your full name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. The process takes a few minutes and the card arrives within 15 working days.
Yes, completely free through the official NHS service. Any website charging you a fee is unofficial. Apply directly at nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
Most applicants receive their card within 15 working days of approval. Apply at least 2 weeks before travelling, and earlier during peak seasons when processing volumes are higher.
Anyone ordinarily and lawfully resident in the UK who is not covered by another country’s state healthcare system. Residency, not nationality, determines eligibility.
You can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. This provides the same coverage as the card itself and is accepted in all the same countries.
Yes. The GHIC only covers state-provided medical care at local resident rates. It does not cover medical repatriation, private treatment, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or other travel risks. The UK government strongly advises carrying both.
Yes, until it expires. Once it expires, you need to apply for a GHIC. According to MSE data, approximately 1.28 million GHICs and 927,000 EHICs are due to expire in 2026 — check the expiry date on the front of your card.
No. Turkey is not covered under the UK’s reciprocal healthcare agreements. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is essential if visiting Turkey.
Yes. The GHIC is accepted as proof of eligibility to enrol in Medicare for medically necessary treatment. The reciprocal arrangement with Australia has been in effect since 2022.
Use the same online application process at nhsbsa.nhs.uk. You can renew up to 9 months before your current card expires. Renewal is free.
Keep all receipts, invoices, and documentation. Contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on your return with evidence of your treatment. They will assess whether the charges were applicable and arrange reimbursement where appropriate.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or insurance advice. GHIC/EHIC rules and country coverage may change. Always verify current coverage and eligibility at nhsbsa.nhs.uk or GOV.UK before travelling, and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance in place.
