UK Global Health Insurance Card – Essential Guide for Travellers

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to state-provided healthcare during temporary visits to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Issued free of charge by the NHS Business Services Authority, the card covers medical treatment at the same cost as local residents. UK residents should apply exclusively through official NHS channels to avoid copycat websites that charge unnecessary fees.

Since its launch in January 2021 following Brexit, the GHIC has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK nationals. Existing EHICs remain valid until their expiry date, typically five years from issue. The transition affects millions of UK travellers who now need to understand eligibility requirements, application procedures, and the countries where coverage applies.

How to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) online

Applications for the GHIC must be submitted exclusively through the official NHS website. The process takes only a few minutes to complete, with the card arriving by post within 10 to 15 working days. Applicants should apply at least two weeks before planned travel to ensure the card arrives in time.

What you need to apply

Before beginning the application, gather the required information. Applicants must be over 16 years old and provide their full name, current address, date of birth, and either their NHS number or National Insurance number. Scottish residents may instead supply their CHI number, while those in Northern Ireland should use their Health and Care number.

• Full legal name as it appears on official documents
• Current UK residential address
• Date of birth
• NHS number, National Insurance number, CHI number, or Health and Care number
• Email address for confirmation updates

The online application form guides applicants through each step systematically. After submission, a confirmation email arrives containing reference details. Those who encounter difficulties can complete the process by telephone using the dedicated helpline at 0300 330 1350 (or +44 191 279 0575 when calling from abroad) available Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm UK time.

Which countries does the UK Global Health Insurance Card cover?

The GHIC provides access to state healthcare across all EU member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Under certain conditions, coverage may also extend to Montenegro. Travellers should note that the GHIC covers necessary medical treatment only — it does not replace comprehensive travel insurance.

Countries included in GHIC coverage

When visiting any of the following countries, GHIC holders receive medical care at the same cost as local residents. This applies to temporary stays for tourism, business, or study purposes.

• All 27 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, Sweden)
• Switzerland
• Norway
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Montenegro (under specific conditions)

The scope of coverage varies by country. Some nations provide healthcare entirely free at point of use, while others require patients to pay a contribution towards costs. The GHIC ensures travellers pay the same as local residents rather than the full commercial rates charged to uninsured visitors.

What the GHIC does not cover

The GHIC has important limitations. It covers necessary state-provided medical treatment only and does not pay for repatriation to the UK, private healthcare, or routine healthcare that can wait until returning home. For complete protection, travellers should supplement their GHIC with appropriate travel insurance covering these scenarios.

Medical facilities must be part of the state healthcare system for GHIC coverage to apply. Private hospitals and clinics generally do not accept the card, meaning travellers may need to seek treatment at public facilities in the country they are visiting.

How do I renew my UK Global Health Insurance Card online?

Renewal follows the same process as a new application. Applicants can begin the renewal process up to nine months before their current card expires. The expiry date appears on the bottom right corner of the card itself. Once expired, the card cannot be renewed as an EHIC — a new GHIC application becomes necessary instead.

Steps to renew your GHIC

The renewal process mirrors the initial application procedure. Log into the official NHS portal and select the option to renew an existing card. The system will verify your details against records held by the NHS Business Services Authority.

1. Visit the official NHS portal at nhs.uk/ghic
2. Select “Renew your GHIC” or “Apply for a new GHIC”
3. Enter your current card reference or NHS number
4. Verify your personal details are up to date
5. Submit the renewal application
6. Wait for the new card to arrive by post

Those whose EHIC cards expired after the GHIC launched in January 2021 will automatically transition to the new card type upon renewal. The NHSBSA reports that nearly 1.3 million GHICs and 927,000 EHICs are due to expire in 2026, creating significant renewal volumes.

How to replace a lost or damaged UK Global Health Insurance Card

Cards that have been lost, stolen, or damaged can be replaced through the same official NHS portal used for applications. The online replacement service allows cardholders to request a duplicate without completing a full application form from scratch.

For urgent situations where replacement is needed before travel, the NHSBSA offers a provisional certificate. This document confirms coverage entitlement and can be obtained by emailing nhsbsa.ghicapplicationsohs@nhsbsa.nhs.uk or calling the helpline.

The replacement card follows the same delivery timeline as a new application — approximately 10 to 15 working days. Travellers with imminent departures should contact the helpline directly to discuss expedited options or alternative verification methods.

How to update your name on a UK Global Health Insurance Card

Name changes and other personal detail updates must be reported through the official NHS portal. This ensures the card matches the identification used when travelling abroad. Using a card with outdated information may cause difficulties when seeking treatment or at border crossings.

The update process requires proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, deed poll document, or adoption certificate. These documents should be uploaded during the online update process or provided to the NHSBSA upon request.

Address changes follow the same procedure and are important to ensure delivery of the replacement card reaches the correct location. Applicants must have lived at their current address for at least six months to qualify for a GHIC.

Can I get a UK Global Health Insurance Card for a child?

Children under 16 years of age require their own GHIC, but parents or legal guardians must apply on their behalf. Each family member, including children and dependents, needs a separate card. There is no age limit for dependent status — adults who rely on others for care may also be added to a parent or guardian’s application in certain circumstances.

Applying for a child’s GHIC

When completing the online application, parents can add children as dependants to their own application. The process requires the child’s full name, date of birth, and NHS number or National Insurance number. Those without an NHS number should contact their GP surgery to obtain one before applying.

Children covered by a parent’s GHIC application receive their own card in the post, with the parent’s details noted as the responsible applicant. This separate card is essential for children travelling independently or with other family members.

Timeline: From EHIC to GHIC

The Global Health Insurance Card represents a significant change in healthcare access for UK residents travelling to Europe. The transition reflects the post-Brexit relationship between the United Kingdom and EU member states.

1. Pre-2021: The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provided UK nationals with access to state healthcare across EU countries and Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein
2. January 2021: Following the end of the Brexit transition period, the UK launched the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as the primary replacement for the EHIC
3. Ongoing: Existing EHICs remain valid until their individual expiry dates; new applications and renewals now issue GHICs only
4. 2026 projection: Approximately 1.3 million GHICs and 927,000 EHICs are expected to expire during 2026

Key facts: What we know and what remains unclear

Background and context

The GHIC emerged from the changed legal relationship between the UK and EU following Brexit. Previously, the EHIC operated under EU regulations that no longer apply to the UK. The new card represents a standalone UK scheme negotiated as part of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Unlike the previous EHIC system, the GHIC does not extend identical rights to all categories of travellers. EU nationals living in the UK before 1 January 2021 may qualify for a separate UK-issued EHIC, while those arriving after this date receive the GHIC. This distinction reflects the reciprocal nature of healthcare agreements between the two parties.

The card specifically covers state-provided healthcare for temporary visitors. Private medical treatment, elective procedures, and repatriation costs fall entirely outside GHIC coverage. Travellers should understand these limitations before departure and consider appropriate supplementary insurance.

Official sources and guidance

“The new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is free and will help ensure you can access healthcare services you’ll need during your visit to EU countries and Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.”

— UK Government announcement, January 2021

“Apply at least two weeks before you travel. Your GHIC will be posted to your home address — make sure your address is up to date in your application.”

— NHS Business Services Authority guidance

Official guidance consistently emphasises that the GHIC should be obtained through NHS channels only. Third-party websites charging fees for what should be a free service operate outside official arrangements. Travellers are advised to verify website URLs carefully and bookmark the official NHS portal for future reference.

Summary

The UK Global Health Insurance Card provides essential healthcare access for UK residents travelling to EU countries and associated nations. Free to apply through the official NHS portal, the card covers necessary state medical treatment at local cost rates. Validity extends up to five years, and expired EHICs cannot be renewed — a new GHIC application becomes necessary instead. For comprehensive protection, travellers should combine GHIC coverage with appropriate travel insurance.

Those planning international travel should check card expiry dates well in advance and submit renewal applications up to nine months before expiration. Children require their own cards, and families should factor in the 10–15 working day delivery window when scheduling applications. Official information and applications are available through the NHS website and NHS Business Services Authority portals.

Frequently asked questions