Global Health Insurance Card 2026 UK: Apply, Eligibility, Countries & Renewal

Planning to travel from the UK? A Global Health Insurance Card can help you access medically necessary state healthcare while visiting certain countries, including destinations across the European Economic Area (EEA). However, it is important to understand what the card covers, where it can be used and what costs you may still have to pay.

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the older European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most people. An existing EHIC remains valid until the expiry date shown on the card, after which you may need to apply for a GHIC.

This guide explains who can apply, what information you need, how family applications work, which countries are covered, what happens after an application, and what to do if your card is lost or has not arrived before your trip.Visit our Homepage for more information.

Quick answer: A UK GHIC is free and can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare in eligible countries on the same basis as a resident of that country. It does not replace private travel insurance.

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What is a UK GHIC?

The UK GHIC is a healthcare entitlement card for eligible UK residents travelling abroad. It allows access to necessary state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK.

Depending on the healthcare system in the country you’re visiting, treatment may be free or you may need to pay the same contribution that a local resident would pay.

The card is free and can remain valid for up to five years. You can normally apply for a new card up to nine months before your current one expires.

The GHIC replaced the EHIC in most circumstances, although some people covered by specific Withdrawal Agreement rights may still be able to apply for a new UK EHIC.

GHIC and EHIC at a glance

Feature	UK GHIC	UK EHIC
Main purpose	Necessary state healthcare abroad	Necessary state healthcare abroad
Cost	Free	Free
Typical validity	Up to 5 years	Up to 5 years
EEA healthcare	Yes, subject to eligibility	Yes, subject to eligibility
Switzerland	Only certain eligible people	Yes, subject to eligibility
Private healthcare	Not covered	Not covered
Medical repatriation	Not covered	Not covered
Travel insurance replacement	No	No

Who can apply for a UK GHIC?

Eligibility is based mainly on your UK residence and existing healthcare arrangements.

You can generally apply if:

you are ordinarily and legally resident in the UK; and
you do not have healthcare cover provided by an EEA country or Switzerland.

There are also circumstances where people living in the EEA or Switzerland can qualify, such as those covered by a registered S1 or a UK-issued A1 document.

Some family members or dependants can also be eligible when they are linked to someone who already qualifies.

The meaning of “ordinarily resident” can be important in more complicated cases, so people with unusual residence or healthcare arrangements should check the official eligibility guidance before applying.

What if you have Withdrawal Agreement rights?

If you have relevant rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you may be able to apply for a UK EHIC instead of a GHIC.

This can apply to certain people who were living in the EEA or Switzerland before 1 January 2021 and meet specific conditions involving forms such as S1, E121, E106, E109 or A1.

Eligibility can depend on nationality, residence and family circumstances, so this is an area where checking your individual position is worthwhile.

What information do you need to apply?

Before starting your application, have the relevant personal details available. This helps prevent delays caused by incomplete information.

You may need:

Full name
Date of birth
UK address
National Insurance number
Health and Care number if you are from Northern Ireland

The information required can vary depending on your circumstances, particularly for students and people living abroad under specific arrangements.

How to apply for a free UK global health insurance card

The standard application is made through the official NHS Overseas Healthcare Services application service.

Follow these steps

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1. Start with the official NHS service

Use the official NHS application route.
Avoid third-party sites that charge a fee.
The standard card is free.

2. Enter your personal details

Add your full name and date of birth.
Enter your current address carefully.
Provide your National Insurance number.
Check each detail before moving on.

3. Add family members

Include your spouse or civil partner if eligible.
Add eligible children to the application.
Each person needs their own card.

4. Review your information

Check names, dates and addresses.
Correct any mistakes before submitting.
This can help prevent unnecessary delays.

5. Submit the application

Send the completed application through the NHS service.
NHS Overseas Healthcare Services will review it.
You may be asked for extra information.

6. Check your email

Look for an application update within 24 hours.
Check your spam or junk folder too.
Respond quickly if more information is requested.

7. Wait for delivery

Apply early if you have travel plans.

An approved card should normally arrive by post.

Allow up to 15 working days for delivery.

Is there a UK global health insurance card login?

For most applicants, the important step is accessing the official NHS application service rather than looking for a separate NHS account login.

If you are trying to check an application or resolve an issue, use the official NHS Overseas Healthcare Services contact route when instructed. Do not enter personal information into unofficial GHIC websites simply because they appear in search results.

Applying for a UK global health insurance card for a child

Children need their own card. They cannot simply rely on a parent’s card when receiving covered healthcare abroad.

When applying for your family:

Enter your own details first.
Select the option to add another family member.
Provide the required details for your child.
Repeat the process for each eligible family member.
Keep the application information or reference details for your records.

A spouse, civil partner and children can be included when you make your application.

If you’ve already submitted your application and later need to add a family member, you should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You may be asked for your application reference number together with your name, date of birth and address.

What healthcare does the card cover?

The card is designed for medically necessary state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you return home.

Examples can include:

Emergency treatment
A&E care
Treatment for long-term conditions
Treatment relating to pre-existing medical conditions
Routine maternity care, provided the purpose of the trip is not to give birth abroad

The decision about whether treatment is medically necessary is made by the healthcare provider in the country you are visiting.

That distinction matters. Having the card does not mean every medical service will automatically be free.

Some countries charge patients a contribution even when the treatment is covered by their public healthcare system.

Planned treatment may need arranging in advance

Certain treatments should be organised with the healthcare provider before you travel.

Examples include:

Kidney dialysis
Chemotherapy
Other ongoing specialist treatment

A public healthcare provider may not always have capacity to provide these services at short notice. Contact the relevant provider before travelling if you know you will need ongoing treatment.

What isn’t covered?

A UK GHIC should not be treated as a substitute for travel insurance.

It generally does not cover:

Private medical treatment
Medical repatriation to the UK
Ski rescue
Mountain rescue
Costs that a local resident would normally have to pay

For this reason, carrying the card and buying suitable travel and medical insurance serve different purposes.

Best practice: Take both with you when travelling. The card can help with access to eligible state healthcare, while insurance can provide protection for risks that the card does not cover.

UK global health insurance card countries list

The card is not valid everywhere in the world. Its usefulness depends on the healthcare agreements and arrangements between the UK and the country you are visiting.

A UK GHIC can generally be used in:

Countries in the European Economic Area (EEA)
Montenegro
Australia
Jersey
Guernsey
Isle of Man
St Helena
Tristan
Ascension

Switzerland has additional eligibility rules. You may be able to use a UK GHIC there if you fall into one of the specified categories, including certain British, Swiss or EU nationals, refugees, stateless people and qualifying family members.

Because international healthcare arrangements can change, check the current country-specific guidance before travelling rather than relying solely on a general country list.

What about Montenegro?

Montenegro has specific arrangements.

UK nationals can access free emergency treatment using their UK passport. UK residents who are not UK nationals may need their passport together with a valid GHIC or EHIC for emergency healthcare.

However, prescribed medicines and other medical treatment may still involve charges.

Can you use it outside the listed countries?

Not automatically.

If the UK does not have a relevant healthcare agreement with the country you are visiting, you should expect to pay for treatment yourself.

Before departure, check the healthcare arrangements for your destination and find out whether patients are expected to make payments.

Using your card abroad: what to do if you need treatment

If you become ill or need treatment while abroad, don’t assume that every clinic or hospital accepts the card.

For the best chance of using your entitlement:

Find a state/public healthcare provider.
Tell the provider that you have a UK GHIC or EHIC.
Present the card when requested.
Ask how payment works before receiving treatment where possible.
Keep invoices, receipts and other paperwork.
Check whether you have to pay a local patient contribution.

Some healthcare systems require patients to pay part or all of the bill initially. A refund may then be possible for the eligible portion, depending on the country’s rules.

A local patient contribution generally remains your responsibility and may not be refundable.

A practical example

Suppose you need medically necessary treatment at a public hospital while travelling. The healthcare provider may accept your card but still require the same patient contribution that a resident would pay.

The important point is that the card does not promise “free healthcare everywhere”. It gives eligible travellers access to covered state healthcare under the applicable local rules.

What happens if your card hasn’t arrived before travel?

Don’t panic, but don’t assume you have no options.

If you need medically necessary treatment abroad and your new card has not arrived, you may be able to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

A PRC can provide the same level of cover as the relevant GHIC or EHIC for the situation in question.

It can also be useful when you’ve already applied but the physical card has not reached you before departure.

If you have neither the card nor a PRC, you may have to pay the treatment costs yourself. Keep the invoice and receipt because you may need them for a later claim.

UK global health insurance card replacement

A replacement may become necessary if your card is lost, damaged or otherwise unavailable.

If you are already abroad and require medically necessary treatment without the card, the PRC process can be particularly important because it may provide temporary evidence of your healthcare entitlement.

Keep your application details and important healthcare documents somewhere secure. This makes it easier to explain your circumstances if you need assistance while travelling.

UK global health insurance card renewal online

A GHIC can remain valid for up to five years.

You do not need to wait until the final day of validity to start thinking about renewal. A new application can be made up to nine months before the current card expires.

Before renewing:

Check the expiry date on your existing card.
Confirm that your circumstances still meet the eligibility rules.
Use the official NHS application service.
Check your personal details carefully.
Allow enough time for postal delivery before your trip.

If your circumstances have changed since your previous application, don’t assume that your old entitlement automatically continues. Your eligibility must apply when you receive treatment.

Students travelling or studying abroad

Students have additional requirements because their circumstances can involve both a UK educational institution and a period of study overseas.

If you are travelling to the EEA or Switzerland as part of a course, you may need a letter from your university or college.

The letter should show:

The UK institution’s name and address
The address where you will study abroad
The qualification you are studying for
The date your overseas study started
The expected end date
Your permanent UK residential address

If the UK address is missing from the university letter, you may be asked for further evidence.

Students already studying in the EEA or Switzerland

Students who normally live in the UK and have been studying in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021 may have different eligibility for a UK Student EHIC.

Students starting a course after that date, or planning a new period of study in an EEA country or Switzerland, may need a UK Student GHIC instead.

The exact entitlement depends on the student’s circumstances and start date.

What if you are charged when you believe the treatment should be covered?

A charge is not automatically proof that something has gone wrong. Healthcare systems differ between countries, and local residents may also have to make payments.

However, if you believe you were incorrectly charged for treatment that should have been covered, keep every relevant document.

Useful evidence can include:

Treatment receipts
Invoices
Proof that the provider was state-run
Payment records
Insurance documentation
Discharge paperwork

You can then contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services or follow the relevant refund process.

If the review determines that the treatment should have been covered, eligible costs may be reimbursed to you or, where appropriate, your insurer.

How to claim a refund

If you paid for healthcare that should be covered under your entitlement, you may be able to submit a refund claim.

The general process is:

Obtain the appropriate refund claim form.
Complete the required details.
Include your receipts and supporting documents.
Send the claim to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
Keep copies of everything you submit.

Do not throw away medical paperwork immediately after returning home. Receipts and invoices can be essential if you need to demonstrate what treatment you received and how much you paid.

What happens if your circumstances change?

Your entitlement needs to exist at the time you receive treatment.

For example, if your residence or healthcare arrangements change, the card may no longer be appropriate for your circumstances.

People with UK EHICs or GHICs should therefore avoid treating the card as a permanent guarantee of entitlement regardless of future changes.

If you are unsure after moving country, changing your healthcare arrangements or changing your study circumstances, check your eligibility before relying on the card abroad.

How to avoid GHIC scams and unnecessary fees

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself is to use the official NHS application service.

The UK card itself is free. Be wary of websites that look official but ask for a payment to submit a standard application.

Before entering personal details, check that you are using the correct government or NHS service.

Warning signs to watch for

A website asks you to pay for the card itself.
The site is not an official NHS or government service.
The wording suggests the card is a form of private travel insurance.
You are pressured to provide unnecessary information.
The website makes guarantees about treatment being completely free abroad.

The NHS source also advises reporting suspected fraudulent applications or misuse through the appropriate NHS Counter Fraud Authority route.

GHIC vs travel insurance: why you may need both

These two forms of protection solve different problems.

Protection	UK GHIC	Travel insurance
Eligible state healthcare	Yes	Policy dependent
Private healthcare	No	Often policy dependent
Medical repatriation	No	Often available under suitable cover
Ski rescue	No	May be covered
Local patient charges	May still apply	Policy dependent
Healthcare outside relevant arrangements	Not automatically	Policy dependent
Purpose	Access to qualifying public healthcare	Broader travel and medical protection

The safest approach is not to choose between them. Where appropriate, take your card and suitable insurance.

Before you travel: a practical checklist

Use this checklist a few days before departure:

Check that your card is still valid.
Confirm that your destination is covered.
Check country-specific healthcare arrangements.
Take the physical card with you.
Check your travel insurance policy.
Save important insurer contact details.
Find out how the local public healthcare system works.
Arrange ongoing treatments such as dialysis in advance.
Keep copies of important documents.
Know what to do if the card is lost.
Check current UK travel advice for your destination.

This preparation can save time if you unexpectedly need medical care overseas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A little preparation can prevent confusion when you need healthcare abroad. The following table highlights the most common mistakes and the simple steps travellers can take to avoid them.

Common mistake	What the user needs to know	Best action for a better travel experience
Paying an unofficial application website	The official application is free. Some unofficial websites may ask for a fee to submit an application on your behalf.	Use the official NHS service and avoid paying unnecessary application charges.
Assuming every country is covered	The card does not provide healthcare cover in every country worldwide. Rules and arrangements vary by destination.	Check the healthcare arrangements for your destination before you travel.
Using a private hospital without checking	The scheme is generally intended for medically necessary care provided through the state healthcare system. Private treatment may not be covered.	Before receiving treatment, confirm that the provider is part of the public or state healthcare system.
Travelling without separate insurance	This card does not cover costs such as private healthcare, repatriation or mountain rescue.	Arrange suitable travel insurance as well as carrying your healthcare card.
Applying at the last minute	An online application does not mean the physical card will arrive immediately. Delivery can take time.	Apply well before your trip so you have time to receive the card and resolve any issues.
Expecting cover for planned treatment	The card is designed for medically necessary healthcare during a temporary stay. It is not intended for travelling abroad specifically to receive planned medical treatment.	If you are travelling abroad for planned healthcare, check the separate rules and approval requirements before making arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can help you access medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in eligible European countries. It is designed to make essential treatment more manageable when you are away from home.

Depending on your situation, it may cover:

Emergency treatment for sudden illness or accidents.
Existing health conditions when treatment cannot wait until you return.
Planned ongoing care, such as dialysis or oxygen therapy.
Maternity care when the trip was not specifically for childbirth.
Local healthcare rates, meaning you pay the same applicable charges as residents.

It does not cover private treatment, medical repatriation, rescue costs, non-urgent care, cancellations or lost belongings.

Getting a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is straightforward, and the best option is to apply through the official NHS website. The card is free, so you should avoid unofficial services that ask for payment.

Before applying, have these details ready:

Full name and date of birth
UK address
National Insurance number, or NHS/CHI number

To apply, open the NHS application service, enter your personal information and add eligible family members if required. Once your application is approved, your card should arrive by post within 15 working days. It can be valid for up to five years. Remember, a GHIC does not replace travel insurance.

For many UK travellers, getting a GHIC card is worthwhile because it is free and can help reduce unexpected healthcare costs when visiting eligible European countries. It gives access to medically necessary state healthcare under the local rules, but it should not be treated as a replacement for travel insurance.

Key benefits include:

Access to eligible state healthcare at the same cost as local residents.
A card that is generally valid for five years.
Each traveller, including children, needs their own card.

Remember, GHIC does not cover private treatment, lost luggage, cancellations or repatriation. Apply through the official NHS website and avoid websites that charge unnecessary fees.

Yes. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is still valid and can help UK travellers access medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during temporary stays in EU countries and a limited number of other destinations. It is free to apply for through the official NHS service, while an existing EHIC can usually be used until its printed expiry date.

Key things to check before travelling:

A new GHIC can be valid for up to 5 years.
It does not provide worldwide healthcare cover.
Private treatment, repatriation and travel disruption costs are not covered.
A GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance.

Yes, you can travel without a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), as it isn’t a legal requirement for travelling. However, having one can make accessing medically necessary state healthcare in eligible EU countries much easier and may reduce what you have to pay.

Before travelling, remember:

A GHIC helps with state healthcare: You can receive medically necessary treatment on the same basis as a local resident, depending on the country’s healthcare system.
An EHIC may still work: If you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can continue using it until it expires.
The card is free: You can apply for a GHIC through the official NHS service without paying an application fee.
It is not travel insurance: It doesn’t cover private treatment, mountain rescue, lost luggage, cancelled trips or emergency medical repatriation.

For better protection, carry your GHIC or valid EHIC and arrange comprehensive travel insurance before you leave the UK. This gives you more protection if you need help that the card does not cover.

No. A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is free to apply for when you use the official NHS service. You should not need to pay a processing fee, so be careful with websites offering to submit an application for £20 or more.

For a straightforward and safer application, keep these points in mind:

Apply officially: Use the NHS website rather than a third-party application service.
Avoid unnecessary charges: Copycat sites may ask for payment even though the card itself is free.
Check validity: A GHIC can remain valid for up to five years.

Using the official route helps you avoid extra costs and makes the application process clearer.

Being a UK citizen does not automatically mean every NHS service is free. In most cases, access depends on whether you are ordinarily resident in the UK, rather than simply holding a British passport. If you live abroad permanently, your entitlement to routine NHS treatment when visiting the UK may be different.

For people living legally in the UK:

GP appointments are generally free.
Emergency hospital care is generally free at the point of use.
Dental treatment, prescriptions and some eye services may involve charges unless you qualify for an exemption.

Always check the relevant NHS eligibility rules for your circumstances.

If you’ve applied for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), you’ll usually receive the physical card within 15 working days after your application is approved. An approval email normally arrives within 24 hours, so you can quickly confirm whether your application has been accepted.

For a smoother experience, keep these points in mind:

Delivery: Allow up to 15 working days after approval.
Before travelling: Apply at least 3 weeks before your trip to allow for postal delays.
Validity: A standard GHIC can remain valid for up to 5 years.
Travelling soon: If the card hasn’t arrived and you need medically necessary healthcare abroad, you may be able to request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) can help UK residents access medically necessary state healthcare during temporary stays in EU countries and certain other destinations with reciprocal healthcare arrangements. Before travelling, check the rules for your destination because eligibility and treatment access can vary.

The card can be used in:

EU countries: 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 and Sweden.
Other destinations: Australia, Montenegro, Switzerland, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

A GHIC does not replace travel insurance and does not cover private treatment or repatriation to the UK.

Visitors to the UK should not assume that NHS treatment is completely free. Your eligibility and potential costs depend on your circumstances, nationality and the type of care you need. Some services remain free, while other treatment may require payment.

Healthcare that may be free includes:

Emergency A&E care, until hospital admission as an inpatient.
Treatment for many infectious diseases and sexually transmitted infections.
Care for victims of torture, abuse or sexual violence.

You may also qualify for reduced or free treatment through certain healthcare agreements, a valid EHIC, or a long-term UK visa where the Immigration Health Surcharge has been paid. Travel health insurance is recommended before visiting.

Conclusion

A global health insurance card can make accessing necessary state healthcare abroad simpler, but knowing its limits is just as important as carrying the card. Before travelling, check your eligibility, confirm your destination’s healthcare arrangements, and make sure your card is valid. Apply or renew early so there is enough time for delivery, and keep your travel insurance in place for costs the card does not cover. If you need treatment, use an eligible state provider and keep your receipts and medical documents. Taking these simple steps can reduce stress, prevent unexpected costs and give you greater confidence when seeking healthcare overseas.

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