GHIC is NOT Travel Insurance! Why Relying on Your Health Card Could Cost You £20,000 in Europe
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| GHIC is NOT Travel Insurance! |
Since Brexit, the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being replaced by the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
Millions of UK travelers pack this card in their wallet before heading to Spain, France, or Italy, believing they are "fully covered" for any medical emergency. It gives them a false sense of security, leading many to skip buying separate travel insurance.
This is a dangerous misconception. While the GHIC is a fantastic free benefit, it has massive gaps. Relying on it alone could leave you stranded in a foreign hospital with a bill large enough to bankrupt you.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what the GHIC covers, the geographical traps, and why Travel Insurance is non-negotiable for 2026.
What Does the GHIC Actually Do?
The GHIC allows you to access state-provided healthcare in the 27 EU countries and Switzerland at the same cost as a local resident.
- Geographical Trap: Unlike the old EHIC, the new GHIC does NOT automatically cover you in Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein (unless you have specific rights under the Withdrawal Agreement). Be very careful if travelling to these EEA countries.
- It is "State" Healthcare Only: You can only go to public hospitals. In tourist hotspots (like the Spanish Costas), ambulances often take foreigners to Private Clinics by default. If this happens, your GHIC is useless, and you pay 100% of the bill.
- It is NOT Always Free: If locals pay for doctor visits or prescriptions (co-payment systems like in France), you pay too. It is not like the NHS where everything is free at the point of use.
The Massive Gaps: What GHIC Does NOT Pay For
This is where the nightmare scenarios happen. The GHIC is strictly for medical treatment inside a public facility. It covers nothing else.
❌ Gap #1: Medical Repatriation (Getting You Home)
This is the biggest risk. If you have a severe accident (e.g., a stroke or a bad car crash) and need to be flown back to the UK with a medical team, the GHIC pays £0.
The Cost: An air ambulance from Southern Europe to the UK typically costs £20,000 to £30,000. The British Embassy (FCDO) will NOT pay this for you.
❌ Gap #2: Mountain Rescue & Ski Slopes
Planning a ski trip to the Alps? If you break your leg on the piste and need a helicopter or sledge rescue, GHIC pays £0.
The Cost: A helicopter rescue can easily cost £3,000+ before you even reach the hospital doors.
❌ Gap #3: Theft, Cancellation & Delays
Obviously, GHIC is for health only. It won't help if:
- Your luggage or passport is stolen.
- Your flight is cancelled or delayed.
- You have to cancel the trip because of a family bereavement.
The Solution: GHIC + Travel Insurance
Smart travelers carry BOTH.
Think of the GHIC as a "discount card" for minor public hospital visits (saving you the policy excess), and Travel Insurance as your "catastrophe protection."
⚠️ Scam Alert: It Should Be FREE
When applying for your GHIC, use only the official NHS website. Avoid "copycat" websites that try to charge you a fee (e.g., £20) to process the application. The card is always free.
Travel Smart, Travel Safe
The GHIC is an essential item for your wallet, but it is not a safety net.
Never treat it as a substitute for proper Travel Insurance. For the price of a few coffees, a comprehensive travel policy protects you from the £20,000 bills that the GHIC leaves behind.
Pack your card, but buy the policy. That is the only way to travel with true peace of mind.
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