Is my European Health Insurance Card still valid under the new EU-UK deal?
The traditional European Health Insurance Card was stopped in 2021, when the UK Global Health Insurance Card was introduced as its replacement.
It essentially does the same job and was just brought in to gradually replace the existing European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC).
UK residents do have to apply for the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), but under what will be Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will still continue when travelling in the EU.
Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will also remain valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU.
When they expire, Britons will have to apply for a Global Insurance Card.
What’s the difference between the EHIC and the UK Global Insurance Card?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) was given to Brits as a free medical card that provides “access to state-supplied healthcare in European Union countries” and was launched in a bid to simplify getting treatment while abroad as a universal sign that a person was eligible for help.
The GHIC does the same job, enabling people access to “necessary, state-provided healthcare” in European countries, but also covers a greater area.
The card gives users a right to the same types of treatments that are available on the NHS without additional charges, but does not cover every type of medical care.
Things you are covered for might include emergency hospital visits and any emergency or routine treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition.
The GHIC can also be used by people not just from the UK. People can also apply from Switzerland or any EU member state. Refugees and dependants or family members of refugees can also apply for a GHIC.
How to apply for a GHIC and how much will it cost?
A GHIC is free and lasts five years once you have one.
