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Who can get a UK GHIC or UK EHIC?
Most people who live in the UK can get a UK GHIC. The rules below sum up what the NHS says. The official eligibility checker on the NHS site has the final say.
The main rule
You're entitled to a UK GHIC if both of these are true:
- you're ordinarily and legally resident in the UK, and
- you don't have healthcare cover from an EEA country or Switzerland.
"Ordinarily resident" broadly means the UK is where you live on a settled, lawful basis for now. GOV.UK has more detail, linked from the NHS page.
Other people who may qualify
- People living in the EEA or Switzerland with a registered S1 form (often UK state pensioners).
- People living in the EEA or Switzerland with an A1 document issued by the UK (often posted workers).
- Family members or dependants of someone who qualifies.
Families
Every person needs their own card, including children. You can add your spouse or civil partner and children to the same application. You enter your own details first and add the others when asked.
The new UK EHIC (Withdrawal Agreement)
Some people can pick a UK EHIC instead of a GHIC. The NHS lists, for example:
- people living in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 issued by the UK
- people living in the EEA or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021 with a UK-issued A1
- EEA or Swiss nationals who have lived legally in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement (this may not apply if you're also a UK national or were born in the UK)
- family members or dependants of the above
Not sure? GOV.UK has a page on Withdrawal Agreement rights.
Students
If you're going to study in the EEA or Switzerland, you can apply for a UK Student GHIC (or a Student EHIC if you've been studying there since before 1 January 2021). You'll need a letter from your UK university or college. It should give your course, the dates you're studying abroad, the address where you'll study and your permanent UK address.
Using it when you're not entitled
The NHS warns that you must be entitled at the time of treatment. Using a card you're not entitled to can mean paying the full cost or even prosecution. If your situation changes, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.