The UK government has announced a scheme that will replace the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as a result of the UK leaving the European Union.
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is free of charge to UK residents and will be accepted in EU countries for medically necessary healthcare needs when travelling in the EU on a temporary visit, including business trips. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.
The GHIC covers medically necessary state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge, until returning home.
Current EHICs will remain valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU. ?
The new GHIC card is free to obtain from the official GHIC website. People should apply at least two weeks before they plan to travel to ensure their card arrives on time.
EU member state EHICs will continue to be accepted by the NHS in the UK.
The government said that the UK is open to agreeing further reciprocal healthcare arrangements that can support UK residents when they travel outside the EU.
UK nationals living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland and EU, EEA and Swiss nationals living in the UK, who are eligible under the Citizens¡¯ Rights Agreement for reciprocal healthcare based on current EU regulations, can continue to apply for an EHIC.