UK holidaymakers with an eye on overseas getaways this summer are being urged to snag a free travel health card to keep healthcare costs down while soaking up the sun abroad.
The UK Global Insurance Card (GHIC) allows tourists to access free healthcare in up to 34 diverse countries if they suffer an accidental injury while on holiday. For those heading off to any spot within the European Economic Area (EEA), there’s no need to fork over a penny for medical treatment should an issue arise, as they will enjoy the same health services as local residents of the area.
The card also means that travellers only cough up what the locals pay if there’s a fee involved for care services. Without a GHIC, globetrotters could find themselves facing the daunting full price tag of medical services, which can often be staggeringly steep.
Hanging on to this handy card ensures healthcare that “cannot reasonably wait” until you’re back on UK shores may be available at no cost, or for the same fee as it would be for local folks. Key points about the GHIC include its five-year validity and easy application process through the NHS website.
Replacing the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the GHIC is effectively its doppelganger when it comes to function. Britons still clutching an EHIC can breathe easily; these cards are still good for use up until the expiration date printed on them.
The NHS has clarified: “The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows you to access necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This could be free or it might involve a payment equivalent to what a local resident would pay.
“The UK GHIC has taken over from the previous European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC, you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it. You can apply for a new card up to nine months before your current card expires.”
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