A Global Health Insurance Card, also referred to as a GHIC Card, is a healthcare card issued by the UK government that grants individuals access to state-provided medical services while traveling or temporarily residing in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
Formerly known as EHIC (European Health Card) for UK citizens, the card's name was changed to GHIC following the UK's departure from the EU (Brexit).
The Global Health Card permits UK residents to obtain necessary medical treatment while visiting these countries, ranging from emergency care to management of pre-existing conditions, at the same cost as a local resident. For instance, if the country being visited offers free healthcare, GHIC cardholders will also be eligible for the same free healthcare service. Likewise, if the country imposes fees for medical services, Global Health Insurance Card holders will be billed at the same rate as a resident of that country, without any additional charges.
The GHIC Card encompasses essential healthcare services, such as visits to the emergency department, emergency treatment, regular medical care for monitored conditions, treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, routine maternity care, and therapies like oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis.
The Global Health Insurance Card ensures that individuals holding it are entitled to receive the same treatment benefits as residents of the country they are in. However, it should be noted that not all countries provide free healthcare services. In some cases, patients are required to contribute a certain percentage towards the cost of treatment. Therefore, Global Health Card-holders receiving treatment in such countries will be subject to the same charges as the residents.
It is essential to understand that the GHIC Card should not be considered a substitute for travel insurance. While your GHIC covers certain aspects of healthcare, such as emergency treatment, it does not include coverage for private healthcare expenses or losses related to personal belongings. Additionally, the Global Health Insurance Card is not valid for use during cruise trips. To ensure comprehensive coverage, it is strongly recommended to have both a GHIC card and travel insurance while traveling, as many insurance companies may waive excess charges in such cases.
By having both a Global Health card and travel insurance, you can enhance the smoothness of your trip and ensure that any unforeseen accidents or incidents are properly accounted for.
To obtain a GHIC Card, the process may vary depending on the country within the European Economic Area (EEA) you are in. Eligibility, application procedures, and renewal processes differ from country to country, so it is advisable to thoroughly review the specific requirements beforehand.
The eligibility for the Global Health Insurance Card is not determined by nationality, but rather by residency. As long as you can provide proof of residency in an EEA country, you are automatically entitled to a GHIC Card.
If you have already received a Global Health Card in one country, you are not able to obtain another one in a different country. Additionally, it's important to be aware that individuals who are entitled to or already hold a GHIC card may lose their privileges if they move to or begin working in a non-EEA country.
While the Global Health Insurance Card grants access to medically necessary healthcare during temporary stays in eligible countries, it does not cover expenses related to private medical treatments or the cost of repatriation to the UK. Furthermore, it's crucial to understand that the rules and availability of state-provided healthcare can differ among countries. Therefore, it is recommended to check the specific requirements and regulations of the country you plan to visit before your travel.
The GHIC, also known as the Global Health Insurance Card, is recognized and accepted in a range of countries including those within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. The following countries within the EU and EEA acknowledge the validity of the GHIC:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
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