Our Guide For European Health Insurance Cards

Updated on May 19, 2021

When you are travelling, it can often be difficult to remember everything that needs to be done. Not only does accommodation need to be organised but the passport and all other paperwork also need to be filled out. But where should you begin when it comes to applying? In this article, we will be providing you with insight into everything that you need to know when it comes to applying for your GHIC card. 

Brexit And The Move From EHIC To GHIC 

In 2020, the UK finally made the move to leave the EU in a controversial move because of the referendum held in 2016 and with it, a lot has changed. One of the biggest changes to come from this Brexit deal is the move from the European Health Insurance Card to the Global Health Insurance Scheme. This card allows those travelling to Europe from the UK access to medication and healthcare at a reduced cost when they are travelling.  

What Is A GHIC Card? 

A GHIC card is an identity card issued by the NHS to those that are travelling around Europe. This not only provides you with access to medication at a reduced cost should you fall ill when travelling, but it will also provide you with health care at a reduced cost or even completely free. This can be used alongside traditional health insurance when travelling to ensure that you remain as healthy as possible. These cards can be applied for online at https://www.ghiccard.co.uk and can be placed into your bag or purse to ensure that it is not lost when you are travelling and 

What Countries Accept A GHIC Card? 

When you are travelling to Europe, it is important to make sure that you have a GHIC card, however, some European countries do not accept these cards. Those that accept these cards are as follows: 

  • Austria  
  • Belgium 
  • Bulgaria 
  • Croatia 
  • Cyprus 
  • Czech Republic 
  • Denmark 
  • Estonia 
  • France 
  • Germany 
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy 
  • Latvia 
  • Lithuania 
  • Luxembourg 
  • Malta Netherlands 
  • Poland

If you are travelling to any of these locations, it is important to make sure that you apply for your card in advance as this will ensure it arrived in plenty of time for you to travel. 

When Should You Apply For A GHIC? 

When looking to apply for a GHIC, it is important to make sure that you leave yourself plenty of time to apply. It is suggested that you should apply for your GHIC card with a minimum of 2 weeks to make sure that it arrives in plenty of time. If you are looking to apply for a number of GHIC cards all at once, it is recommended that you apply for each of them many weeks in advance, as this will ensure that all of your cards arrive before you are set to travel. 

With this in mind, there are several ways that you can begin to apply for your GHIC to ensure you are travelling as safely as possible. 

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