What is a GHIC card?
Where a link is marked *, it is a partner link — we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * earn us nothing. How we make money.
In short: The UK Global Health Insurance Card gives access to medically necessary state healthcare in EU countries and some others at local resident rates — free to apply on NHS.uk. It is not a substitute for travel insurance.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
Replaced new EHIC applications for UK residents after Brexit.
Does not cover repatriation, private treatment or trip cancellation.
See GHIC explained guide.
Primary source: nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad
Part of our Family & care
This quick answer sits inside our wider family & care hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full family & care guide →