Can we do away with an EHIC card?
If it has expired then sure and you can apply for a GHIC as a substitute if you are a UK national. However, if it was issued in the winter months of 2020 before December 31, the validity will remain for at least another 3 years (EHIC cards are valid for 5 years) so it can continue to be used on short trips to the EU until it expires. However, it is recommended to always have quality travel insurance for coverage of those sections not covered by GHIC or EHIC.
What does the new GHIC cover?
Similar to the EHIC the new GHIC offers treatment at state healthcare facilities or at doctors that are registered with the state healthcare system. They get the same levels of treatment and facilities that local citizens of the country are entitled to. While it may be completely free in some nations in others there may be subsidized costs the same as what the locals will pay.
Some of the areas covered include
- Visits to the Accident & Emergency care (A&E) for any kind of emergency treatment.
- Routine maternity check-ups (antenatal) but excluding visiting the country specifically to give birth.
- Medical care for any pre-existing medical illnesses
- Providing kidney dialysis and Oxygen
However, the title GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is a misnomer of sorts because it is not valid for use outside the EU. Those countries that were earlier covered by the EHIC are now excluded and include Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Exclusions not covered by the GHIC
At the onset, it is necessary to be clear that GHIC is in no way a substitute for travel insurance. It does cover the following instances:
- Holiday or flight cancellation (due to any reason)
- Medical repatriation or rescue in case of an emergency
- If there is an urgent need to visit a private hospital with a state facility too far away, the GHIC will not offer coverage
- As state healthcare is not completely free in all EU nations, there may be a need to pay for certain services that will not be reimbursed by the NHS. It is travel insurance that will help to recoup these charges.
What about EU nationals that intend to study/work in the UK?
The good news for all EU nationals that have been within the UK before December 2020 are covered by the agreement reached between the EU and the UK government. They can continue using their EHICs for any medical requirements at NHS hospitals for both routine and emergency medical requirements. Likewise, they can continue using their existing EHICs until they are valid across the EU. Upon expiry, they can apply for a UK GHIC.
Will UK expats that have retired to other countries be affected?
For UK nationals that retired and living in the UK, things could become complex. Their status will differ from nation to nation subject to the local laws of the country they live in. they will need to get professional advice on the status of their EHICs and the coverage they are offered. Although, currently most of them can continue to use valid EHICs as usual for their healthcare requirements.
Is it worthwhile investing in travel insurance when I have GHIC coverage?
Yes, it is worth every penny to have private travel insurance as well as your GHIC when on a short trip to any EU country. As discussed, the GHIC/EHIC offer limited coverage with the former even offering less after Brexit (excludes the previous included Non-EU countries). While it is not mandatory to get travel insurance cover, nevertheless travelling without it can be quite risky. In case of a serious illness or accident, hospital costs could get astronomical and if they are not covered by the EHIC it could burn a hole in your pocket. Taking our travel insurance will ensure you are covered for almost every such eventuality and is well worth the investment made.
Andrew Parker is a versatile journalist based in the UK who covers a wide range of news topics with depth and precision. With an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to delivering unbiased reporting, Andrew brings readers up-to-date on the most significant events and stories shaping the world.
