Possible blog article:
How to Apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card
Are you planning to travel abroad soon and wondering how you can get access to medical treatment if needed? One option to consider is applying for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which can provide you with free or reduced-cost healthcare in 27 European Union (EU) countries and some other countries outside the EU. In this article, we’ll explain what a GHIC is, who is eligible for it, how to apply for it, and what it covers. Let’s dive in.
What is a UK Global Health Insurance Card?
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a card that replaces the previous European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK residents. It entitles you to the same level of healthcare as a local resident in the country you’re visiting, in case you need medical treatment during your trip. It covers pre-existing conditions, routine maternity care, and most emergency services, but not private medical treatment or repatriation. It’s free to apply for a GHIC and it usually takes about 10 days to receive it by post.
Who is eligible for a UK Global Health Insurance Card?
You can apply for a UK GHIC if you’re a UK resident, which means you have either British citizenship or settled status, or you’re an EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss national who is registered with the NHS in the UK. You can also apply for a GHIC on behalf of your children or dependents, as long as they are also eligible. In some cases, you may need to provide evidence of your eligibility, such as a national insurance number or a residence permit.
How to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card?
You can apply for a UK GHIC online on the official NHS website, or by phone or post. To apply online, you need to fill in a form with your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, address, and national insurance number, and confirm your eligibility. You can also apply for multiple GHICs at once for your family members or partner. To apply by phone or post, you need to call or write to the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services, and provide the same information as for online application. You may also need to send copies of your documents, such as your passport or residence permit, by post.
What does a UK Global Health Insurance Card cover?
A UK GHIC covers the following types of medical treatment:
– Necessary medical treatment for pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, but not routine monitoring or check-ups;
– Necessary medical treatment for unexpected illness or injury, such as an infection or a broken bone, including hospital stays, surgery, and medication;
– Necessary medical treatment for routine maternity care, such as antenatal and postnatal care, but not childbirth or fertility treatment;
– Most emergency services, such as emergency ambulance, emergency dental treatment, and emergency prescriptions.
However, a UK GHIC does not cover:
– Private medical treatment, such as elective surgery, cosmetic treatments, or alternative therapies;
– Repatriation costs, such as air ambulance or medical escort back to the UK;
– Costs of private accommodations or amenities, such as TV or phone calls in hospital.
Therefore, it’s important to have additional travel insurance cover, especially if you’re planning to visit countries outside the EU or to engage in risky activities such as winter sports or adventure travel. A GHIC can help you save money on medical bills abroad, but it’s not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.
In conclusion, a UK Global Health Insurance Card is a useful tool for UK residents who are planning to travel to the EU or a few other countries for leisure or business, as it can provide them with free or reduced-cost medical treatment in case of a medical emergency. To apply for a GHIC, you need to be eligible, fill in an application form, and provide evidence of your eligibility. Make sure you know what a GHIC covers and what it doesn’t cover, and consider getting additional travel insurance cover for your peace of mind. Safe travels!
