How long does it take to get a GHIC card?
Once you apply, your GHIC card should take about 10 days to arrive.
What is the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)? How can I get one? Am I eligible? This healthcare benefit allows you to receive healthcare outside of the United Kingdom. Indeed, this is also the case for the UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Then, you may receive healthcare at reduced or no cost abroad. Your Benefits article will walk you through everything that you need to know about the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
What is a GHIC card?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to be medically treated outside of the UK. More specifically, you would be able to receive state healthcare in different countries in Europe. Moreover, this would be at a reduced cost, or even for no cost at all.
Disclaimer
You may already have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In this case, you will be able to use it until its expiry date. Then, you will be able to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
Does the GHIC and EHIC replace travel insurance?
The short answer is no. The long answer is that since your GHIC or EHIC mainly only cover medically necessary healthcare, having such a card does not exempt someone from having travel insurance. Quite the opposite.
While travelling, it is recommended to take travel insurance on top of your GHIC or EHIC. Indeed, this includes health coverage. Additionally, it’s recommended to make sure that such insurance is comprehensive. It is extremely important, so that you can get the care that you need when travelling abroad.
How to apply for ghic card
You can apply to get a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) on the NHS website. Furthermore, your application for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is free. Indeed, as such, as long as you have the necessary information you need, you can apply free of charge.
The information you will need in order to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is the following, your:
- Name (first, middle, last);
- Date of birth;
- Full address;
- Health and Care number (for those living in Northern Ireland);
- CHI number (for those living in Scotland);
- NHS or National Insurance number (for those living in England and Wales).
Can I renew my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
You may want to apply for a new UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In fact, with one, you would be able to use it in many places. This is true not only for European Union countries and Switzerland, but for visiting Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway as well. You can use a new EHIC card there.
Not everyone can apply for a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in the UK. Those who qualify to apply are (not limited to) the following:
- European Union, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Switzerland nationals who, with their families, began living in the UK prior to 1 January 2021;
- Students from the United Kingdom who began studying in Iceland, Norway, the European Union, Liechtenstein or Switzerland prior to 1 January 2021;
- (Not all) British State Pensioners who, with their families, began to live in Norway, the European Union, Iceland, Switzerland or Lichtenstein prior to 1 January 2021.
Where can I use my UK GHIC?
There are a lot of locations where you can use both your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or your UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). First, you can use them in countries in the European Union.
Second, you may use your EHIC or GHIC in Switzerland. However, additional things apply. Indeed, you must be one of the following in order to qualify, a:
- Swiss national;
- British national;
- European Union citizen;
- Stateless individual;
- Refugee;
- Someone dependent or surviving another person who qualifies as one of these.
Furthermore, you may travel to Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland. If this is the case, you cannot use your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or existing UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) there. Then, you will need to get travel insurance, or get a new UK EHIC.
However, note that you may get some healthcare in Norway. In fact, with a UK passport, you can receive medically necessary procedures. More specifically, this may be treatment for a pre-existing condition, procedures needed during an emergency, or more.
What is medically necessary healthcare?
Medically necessary healthcare concerns treatments that can reasonably be assumed not have to wait you coming back to the United Kingdom. However, whether a treatment is medically necessary or not is decided by the healthcare provider.
The following are typically considered medically necessary healthcare:
- Routine treatments for a pre-existing condition that requires it;
- Treatment for a pre-existing or long-term medical condition;
- Maternity care (however, not if you are planning to give birth abroad);
- Kidney dialysis and oxygen therapy;
- Visits to the emergency department (A&E) and treatments needed during an emergency.
You can use your UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to receive medically necessary healthcare in EU countries and Switzerland. Indeed, the healthcare must be provided by the state.
What if I need to stay in a quarantine hotel?
There are countries in the European Union that require you to stay in a quarantine hotel when you enter the country, and one of the following applies:
- Someone who you are a ‘close contact‘ of tested positive for Covid-19;
- You turn out to be positive for Covid-19, and your symptoms are either non-existent or mild.
Important
Costs incurred by staying in quarantine hotels are not covered either by your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or your UK EHIC. This is because they are not considered a medically necessary state-provided healthcare. Instead, they are considered a public health measure by the UK.
You may need medical attention while staying in a quarantine hotel. Then, you may use your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or your UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Furthermore, if you do not have a working card, you may ask the NHS for a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
UK GHIC eligibility
You may be eligible to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). In order for this to be true, at least one of the following needs to be true, you are:
- Living in a European Union country or Switzerland, and have an A1 document given to you by the United Kingdom;
- Living in a European Union country or Switzerland, and have a registered S1, E121, E109 or E106 form given to you by the United Kingdom;
- Legally residing in the United Kingdom, and you are not provided a healthcare cover by Switzerland or a European Union country;
- Dependent or the family member of someone who is one of these above.
Those who are not eligible to apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) may be able to apply for a new UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Can I get discounts on my travel costs?
If you are wondering if you are eligible for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you are likely thinking about travelling. In this case, you could get reductions on travel costs, depending on your situation.
Disclaimer
You may be an older person. Then, you could get a senior railcard. With it, you could receive up to one third off your train fares.
Typically, railcards offer discounts for travel within the United Kingdom. However, some companies offer special offers for railcard holders. As such, you may get discounts to travels outside the United Kingdom. Additionally, you may also receive some for staying in hotels, and more.
Can I get discounts on train fares abroad if I am not elderly?
Those who are elderly are not the only ones who can benefit from railcard discounts. Indeed, this is also true for disabled individuals. In fact, those who are disabled and earnings certain benefits can apply for a railcard. More specifically, qualifying benefits are as follows:
| Proof you need to provide for a Disabled Persons Railcard if you are eligible with the following benefits or conditions in 2022 | |
|---|---|
| The benefit that you receive, or condition that you have | What you need to provide |
| The middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), for the purpose of help with Personal Care | An award letter for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a receipt showing that you earned the benefit in the last 12 months (use a copy of this document) |
| Personal Independence Payments (PIP), at any rate | An award letter for Personal Independence Payments with a receipt showing that you earned the benefit in the last 12 months (use a copy of this document) |
| A visual impairment | If you are applying by paper or online, an official stamp by Social Services on your downloaded form, or a copy of your BD8 Certificate (for being registered either partially-sighted or blind), your Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) or BP1 Certificate (if you live in Scotland) |
| Either use a hearing aid or are registered as deaf | If you are applying by paper or online, an official stamp by Social Services on your downloaded form, a copy of your NHS battery book's front page, or a copy of your private hearing aid supplier's dispensing prescription |
| Are affected by epilepsy, if taking medication does not keep you from being impacted by attacks, or you are not allowed to drive because of it | A copy of your exemption certificate that you have for epilepsy medication, as well as a copy of your drugs' prescription. If you live in Scotland, you only need to give a copy of your prescription, as a Medical Exemption Card is not necessary. You may also provide a copy of your Exemption Certificate that you have for epilepsy medication as well as a copy of Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) letter saying that you cannot drive |
| Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance | Your award letter (a copy of it) |
| War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement | Your award letter (a copy of it) |
| Service or War Disablement Pension for a total of 80% disability or over | Your award letter (a copy of it) |
| You are either leasing or buy a vehicle thanks to the Motability scheme | Your hire-purchase or lease agreement, dating at least the previous 12 months |
Note that discounts from sponsors are not the same depending on the type of railcard that you have. As such, certain railcards offer different discounts for abroad travel as others. Additionally, some may offer them, while others might not.
Can I get discounts on more things when travelling abroad?
When travelling abroad, it’s important to learn what you can save money on. Although this includes making sure that you can access healthcare with a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), it is not limited to only this. In fact, you may not be aware of all the benefits you could be able to get while in the UK.
If you are unsure of what benefits you could be able to get, Your Benefits can help! Indeed, you may not be claiming all of the financial aid that you are entitled to. To remedy this, we offer a free simulator that can show you all that you could be earning. And again, this service is free of charge!
how do i apply for a uk medical card GHIC?
Hello,
As the article indicates, you can apply on the NHS website.
Hope this helps,
Robin
Does the GHIC card cover a day trip to Guernsey?
Hello,
Unfortunately, no, Guernsey is not covered by the GHIC or EHIC.
Hope this helps,
Robin
When will I receive my GHIC card
Hello,
We are not affiliated with the NHS. As such, we are unfortunately unable to tell you when you would receive your card, even with your reference number. However, applications typically take up to 10 days.
Hope this helps,
Robin
Thanks for sharing this great page without questions is very good
Hello,
Thank you! I am really glad that you found this helpful.
Have a good day,
Robin
Thanks for sharing this great content without doubts is very good
Hello,
Thank you! I am really glad that you enjoyed it.
Have a good day,
Robin
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A CARD
Hello,
As indicated in the article, you can apply for a GHIC on the NHS website.
Hope this helps,
Robin
Is there any way we can apply for damages after my wife had a bad fall in the apartment in Spain. Plate inserted in top of right arm to her elbow and a spine injury.
Hello,
Unfortunately, I am not a legal expert. However, I believe that you could be able to.
Hope this helps,
Robin
does having a GHIC card have any healh benefits in New Zealand ?
Hello,
Yes, I believe that you would get the same benefits in New Zealand as in other countries.
Hope this helps,
Robin