Whether you’re heading to a European capital for a business meeting or embarking on a family holiday to the Mediterranean, one item should never be overlooked in your pre-travel checks: the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting safer travel, this advisory outlines why the GHIC is a non-negotiable item for UK travellers, what it does (and doesn’t) cover, and why it must always be used alongside comprehensive travel insurance, not instead of it.
What Is the GHIC and Why Is It Important?
The GHIC replaces the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) following the UK’s departure from the EU. Issued by the NHS, the GHIC allows UK travellers to access state-provided medical care in EU countries on the same terms as local residents, often free or at a reduced cost.
In operational terms, this card serves as a frontline tool for mitigating medical risk while abroad. If you become unwell or are injured while travelling in Europe, the GHIC facilitates prompt access to treatment without the immediate financial burden that can delay care or lead to significant out-of-pocket costs.
For organisations managing mobile teams or solo travellers, the GHIC is an essential component of your duty of care provision.
Applications for the GHIC can be submitted on the NHS website.
What Does the GHIC Cover?
The GHIC provides cover for the following in EU countries only:
- Emergency and necessary medical treatment during your stay
- Treatment of pre-existing conditions that become urgent while abroad
- Routine maternity care (excluding birth tourism)
- Oxygen therapy and dialysis (must be arranged in advance)
Importantly, cover applies only when using state-run health services. Private hospitals or clinics are not included.
What the GHIC Does Not Cover
Understanding the GHIC’s limitations is just as important as understanding its benefits. The GHIC does not cover:
- Repatriation to the UK, including air ambulance or medical escorts
- Private healthcare costs
- Non-EU countries, except where separate bilateral agreements exist (e.g., Switzerland in limited cases)
- Lost, stolen or damaged belongings
- Trip cancellation, delays, or curtailment
- Personal liability or legal costs
For any traveller,particularly those operating in remote, high-risk, or resource-limited environments, these omissions could have serious operational and financial consequences.
Why Travel Insurance Is Still Essential
One of the most common and dangerous misconceptions we see is the belief that the GHIC is a replacement for travel insurance. It is not.
At The TRIP Group, we always advise members to carry comprehensive travel insurance that includes:
- Emergency medical and repatriation cover
- Protection against delays, cancellations and missed connections
- Cover for baggage and personal possessions
- Legal and personal liability cover
- Adventure or business travel-specific inclusions
Travel insurance fills the many gaps left by the GHIC, ensuring that travellers are not just treated, but supported and protected throughout their journey, including the potential need for medical evacuation.
Operational Guidance for Travellers and Organisations
- Apply early: GHICs are free but may take up to two weeks to arrive. Only apply through the official NHS website.
- Carry it at all times when travelling in Europe, just as you would your passport.
- Ensure employees and travellers are briefed on its purpose and limitations as part of pre-deployment training or travel briefings.
- Always pair with insurance: Make it mandatory for all travellers under your risk management framework.
Summary
The GHIC is a valuable tool in your travel risk management kit, but it’s just that: one tool. Used correctly, it facilitates fast access to necessary healthcare within the EU, but it must always be part of a wider safety net that includes travel insurance, crisis response planning, and situational awareness.
For further guidance on international travel safety, operational risk assessments, or training, contact The TRIP Group at info@thetripgroup.com or call 0333 939 0024.
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