Travelling to Europe from the UK? You Need a GHIC Card
Whether you’re heading to Spain for two weeks or France for a long weekend, your GHIC card is one of the most important things to pack. Here’s why — and what happens if you don’t have one.
What Could Go Wrong Without a GHIC?
Medical emergencies abroad are more common than people think. A broken bone, a sudden illness, a child’s high fever — any of these could land you in a European hospital.
Without a GHIC, you’re treated as a private patient. In countries like France and Spain, this means paying full private rates upfront. A singlenight in a Spanish hospital as a private patient can cost £500 or more.
Major surgery could run into tens of thousands.With a GHIC, you pay the same as a local resident — often nothing foremergency treatment.
Which Countries Can I Use the GHIC In?
All 27 EU member states, including the most popular UK holiday destinations:
• Spain (including the Canary Islands and Balearic Islands)
• France (including French overseas departments)
• Italy
• Greece (including Greek islands)
• Portugal
• Germany
• Netherlands
• Croatia
• And all remaining EU member states
Note: the GHIC does not cover Turkey, Morocco, the USA, or non-EU countries.
Is the GHIC Enough on Its Own?
No — and this is important. The GHIC only covers state healthcare. It doesn’t cover:
• Being flown home to the UK (repatriation)
• Private hospital treatment
• Cancellations, lost luggage, or delays
• Non-emergency treatment you chose to travel for
Travel insurance covers all of that. Think of them as a pair — both are essential, they cover completely different things.
When Should I Apply?
As early as possible. Don’t wait until the week before your holiday.
Apply when you book your trip so your card has time to arrive.
If you’ve left it late, use our priority processing option for faster handling.
One Application, Whole Family
Going away as a family? Make sure every family member has their own card — including children. You can include up to 10 people in one application through our service.