GHIC: free, how long it lasts and where it works
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare you need while visiting the EU and some other countries, at the same cost as local residents. Here's what you need to know, and a free reminder so it doesn't run out before a trip.
Get a free GHIC reminder
We'll email you before your card expires, with the link to renew it free. One email, no spam.
Where you can use a UK GHIC
- Every EU country, and the rest of the European Economic Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
- Switzerland, if you're a British national, a Swiss national, an EU citizen, a refugee, a stateless person, or a family member of one of these.
- Also: Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension.
Got an older UK EHIC? You can keep using it in the EEA and Switzerland until the expiry date on the card.
What it covers, and what it doesn't
- being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation)
- treatment in a private hospital or clinic
- ski or mountain rescue
How to apply or renew
- Go to the NHS GHIC page ↗ and choose to apply.
- Fill in the short online form for each person who needs a card.
- Your new card arrives by post. You can renew up to 9 months before your current card expires, so don't leave it until just before a trip.
Apply or renew free on the NHS website ↗
Frequently asked questions
Is the GHIC free?
Yes. A UK GHIC is free from the NHS, and so is renewing it. Some unofficial websites charge a fee to apply on your behalf: you never need to pay one.
How long does a GHIC last?
A UK GHIC lasts for up to 5 years. The expiry date is printed on the card. You can apply for a new one up to 9 months before your current card expires.
Can I still use my old EHIC?
Yes. If you have a UK EHIC, you can keep using it until the expiry date on the card. When it expires, apply for a free GHIC to replace it.
Where can I use a UK GHIC?
In countries in the European Economic Area (the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), and in Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Ascension. You can also use it in Switzerland if you are a British national, a Swiss national, an EU citizen, a refugee, a stateless person, or a family member of one of these.
Is a GHIC the same as travel insurance?
No. A GHIC gives you state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you get home, at the same cost as local residents (sometimes free). It does not cover being flown back to the UK, treatment in private hospitals, or ski and mountain rescue. The NHS advises having travel insurance as well.
Does every member of my family need their own card?
Yes. Each person, including children, needs their own GHIC. Apply for each of them, free, on the NHS website.
Checked against the NHS website on 16 October 2026. Rules can change, so always check the NHS page before you apply. Related: check your passport for your trip · EES explained · travel permits.