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Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
Free card for UK residents covering state healthcare during temporary stays in the EU and some other countries. Beware of sites charging for it.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| NHS: apply for a free GHIC www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ | Whole UK |
Step by step
- Apply on the NHS website. The card is free.
- Add your partner and children in the same application: each person needs their own card.
- Check your email: you should hear within 24 hours whether it is approved.
- Wait for the card by post, usually within 15 working days. You can renew up to 9 months before it expires.
What you need
- Full name, address and date of birth.
- National Insurance number.
- Health and Care number, if you live in Northern Ireland.
Common mistakes
- Paying an unofficial website to apply for a free card.
- Travelling with the GHIC instead of travel insurance. It does not replace it.
- Applying only for yourself and forgetting your family's cards.
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- NHS App
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- NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 and HC3 certificates)
- Healthy Start: help to buy food, milk and vitamins
- Urgent help for your mental health
- NHS vaccinations for children (and catching up)