Parents have just days left to apply for essential healthcare cover ahead of the school summer holidays, with Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) 1.53 million cards set to expire in 2025, and many never having had one.
The UK GHIC is a key benefit that lets Brits get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay. It replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.
Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “With schools in the UK breaking up for summer as early as Wednesday June 25, some parents now have just 20 working days left to apply for their Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) to ensure they arrive in time.
“Free to apply for and lasting for up to five years, applying for a GHIC card couldn’t be simpler. Visit the NHS website, provide the appropriate details and then wait 24 hours for your application to be approved.
All you need to know about the new free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) https://t.co/uH9paMtlc2 #MartinLewis
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) January 7, 2021
"It is important to note that each family member requires a GHIC card, so parents will need to complete one for each child. Once approved, your card will be sent to your address and should arrive within 15 working days.”
You can apply for a UK GHIC if you're a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.
You'll need to provide your:
- full name
- address
- date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Health and Care number (if you're from Northern Ireland)
If I have a UK GHIC do I also need travel insurance?
UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. You also need travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
Alicia says: “While a GHIC card will cover treatment for emergencies, it is not a direct replacement for travel insurance. Having the appropriate travel insurance before your holiday is vital, as there are several things that GHIC doesn’t cover, such as medical repatriation or treatment in a private health facility should you need it.
“Wherever you’re planning to travel this summer, it’s vital to have the right travel insurance in place for you and your family so you can enjoy your trip worry-free.”
You should also check FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for the country you're visiting.
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What is a GHIC card, and which countries are covered?
“In the event of a medical emergency, a GHIC card allows travellers to access state healthcare on the same basis as a resident in the country that you are visiting," says Alicia.
“GHIC covers emergency healthcare in any country within the European Economic Area (EEA), and other countries such as Montenegro, Australia and Jersey.
"A full list of countries is available on the NHS website.”
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