Your free guide to the UK GHIC and EHIC

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It lets UK residents get necessary state healthcare in Europe and some other countries on the same terms as local people. It is free. You should never pay anyone to get one.

Apply free on the official NHS website →

The short version

• Cost: nothing. The official application on the NHS website is free.
• How long it lasts: up to 5 years.
• Old EHIC? You can keep using it until the expiry date printed on it, then apply for a GHIC.
• Renewing: you can apply up to 9 months before your current card runs out.
• Delivery: the NHS says to allow up to 15 working days after approval. The card comes by post.
• Not travel insurance: it does not pay for private treatment, mountain rescue or a flight home.

Watch out for paid "checking" sites

Some websites charge a fee to "process" an application that costs nothing. The NHS itself warns travellers to avoid unofficial websites that charge a fee. This site does not take applications and never asks for money. Every "apply" link here goes straight to the official NHS page.

Guides on this site

• What is the UK GHIC (and the UK EHIC)?What the card does and where it works.
• Who can get oneResidence rules, family members, students and the UK EHIC.
• How to apply for freeWhat details you need and what happens after.
• Renewing an EHIC or GHICWhen to renew and how.
• Lost card and temporary certificate (PRC)Replacement cards and cover while you wait.
• Using it abroad and what it doesn't coverAt the hospital, refunds and travel insurance.