What is a GHIC/EHIC and where is it valid?
The short answer
The UK GHIC is a free card that covers necessary state healthcare in participating countries on the same basis as a local resident. It replaced the EHIC, and the NHS says it is not a replacement for travel insurance.
What it covers
The NHS says the GHIC covers necessary state healthcare, which may be free or may require a payment equal to what a local resident would pay. It covers medically necessary care that cannot reasonably wait until you return to the UK, such as emergency treatment and A&E, care for long-term or pre-existing conditions, and routine maternity care (not for giving birth abroad). Some treatments, such as kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, should be pre-arranged with the provider abroad.
What it does not cover
The NHS lists medical repatriation, treatment in private facilities, and ski or mountain rescue as not covered, as well as costs a local resident would have to pay. It says the GHIC does not replace travel and medical insurance.
Where it is valid
The NHS lists the EEA countries, Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and St Helena, Tristan and Ascension. In Switzerland it is valid only for British, Swiss or EU nationals, refugees, stateless persons and certain family members. In Montenegro emergency treatment is free but you pay for prescribed medicines and other treatment. The page says the UK is negotiating to expand coverage and that in any country not listed you will pay for treatment unless the UK has a healthcare agreement with it. It does not list the United States, so US healthcare is not covered by the information on this page.
Cost, validity and EHIC
The card is free, and you should apply only through the official NHS site because unofficial sites may charge. It lasts up to 5 years and you can apply up to 9 months before your current card expires. An existing EHIC remains usable until its expiry date. People with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement can instead apply for a new UK EHIC, also free, valid only in the EEA and Switzerland. Rules change, so check the official page before you travel.
Sources: NHS: Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GHIC free?
Yes. The NHS says it is free and warns that unofficial sites may charge.
How long does it last?
Up to 5 years. You can apply up to 9 months before your current card expires.
Does the GHIC replace the EHIC?
Yes, the NHS says the GHIC has replaced the EHIC, and an existing EHIC remains usable until its expiry date.
Does it cover the flight home?
No. Medical repatriation is listed as not covered.
Does it work in the USA?
The countries listed on the NHS page do not include the USA, so you would pay for treatment unless the UK has an agreement with that country.
How long does the card take to arrive?
You get an email within 24 hours on approval, and the card arrives by post within 15 working days. A Provisional Replacement Certificate is available if it has not arrived.