Is my European Health Insurance Card still valid under the new EU-UK protocol?
The traditional European health insurance card was stopped in 2021, when the UK Global Health Insurance Card was introduced as a replacement.
It essentially does the same job and has just gradually replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
UK residents do have to apply for the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), but under the new UK-EU agreement, UK residents will continue to continue their emergency and health care rights when traveling in the EU.
Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) will also remain valid for as long as they are on dates, and people can continue to use these insurances when traveling to the EU.
When they expire, the British will have to apply for a global insurance card.
What is the difference between EHIC and UK global insurance cards?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is awarded to the British as a free medical card that provides “health care that receives state-supported health care in EU countries” and was introduced to simplify the general signal of receiving treatment abroad that a person is eligible for help.
GHIC does the same job, allowing people to access “necessary, state-provided health care” in European countries, but also covers larger regions.
This card provides users with the right to the same type of treatment available on the NHS without additional costs, but cannot cover each type of medical service.
Things you cover may include emergency hospital visits and any emergency or routine treatment for a long-term or existing medical condition.
GHIC is also available not only to people from the UK. People can also apply from Switzerland or any EU member state. Refugees and dependents or refugee families can also apply for GHIC.
How to apply for GHIC and how much does it cost?
GHIC is free once you have it for five years.
