If you have a trip lined up to any nation in the EU, having health insurance is a necessity to ensure you gain access to cheap or free public healthcare, in case of a medical emergency. Having an EHIC/ GHIC will go a long way to alleviate any concerns about getting subsidized or free public healthcare.
Can an EHIC still be used after Brexit?
The good news is yes, the EHIC card is still valid for use after Brexit in any EU country as long as it has not expired. If you are on a temporary trip, visiting for business or to study it can continue to be used until it expires. Check the expiry date on the front of your card. Whilst most UK residents are being issued the GHIC as a substitute for the EHIC, there are still select groups that are issued EHICs.
Is a GHIC similar to an EHIC?
Either can be used to get discounted or free treatment in any EU nation provided by the public healthcare system on a temporary visit.
It covers:
- Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions
- Routine medical check-ups to monitor an existing condition including maternity routine check-ups
- Treatment in case of an accident or any other medical emergency.
- Oxygen and dialysis for patients that have medical needs
The thing to remember is that the healthcare provided may not be free always. Since the Healthcare system differs from one country to another, some might charge a small amount as part payment towards the treatment that would cost the same as the citizens of that country are charged.
In cases where an individual needs to make the payment upfront and will be refunded later, all treatment-related paperwork including receipts must be kept safely until they can be reimbursed when back in your home country. A refund claim can be made by post or via email after filling out the form.
Certain EU countries have a patient sharing policy, where a nominal sum is paid towards the treatment like the cost of medications. While the complete bill amount is repaid the patient share amount is not included in the GHIC or EHIC. Although, if you have travel insurance it is probably claimable.
To know more about the public healthcare system in the country you plan to visit check the national healthcare guide of the nation.
Who is eligible for a GHIC?
Any UK resident visiting the EU and not having any insurance arrangement with any EU nation, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland is eligible to register for a GHIC upon expiration of their EHIC or get one issued if they do not have an EHIC as yet.
What is the process to register for a GHIC?
While most individuals can apply for a GHIC online certain categories need to do it offline via post or in person. At the time of applying there are specific details like the national insurance number, legal name, address proof and date of birth proof that need to be furnished. Every individual family member must have their card as it cannot be common in use. All those that are 16 and above and UK residents qualify for a GHIC. For kids below 16, their parents or guardian can apply on their behalf.
Do I need to apply for a new EHIC after Brexit?
If there has been an EHIC issued in the UK before January 01, 2021, and it has not expired, it is valid for use only within the EU block of countries. Those that get a new EHIC issued after Brexit can use their card in the EU as well as Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. As per the guidelines of the EU withdrawal agreement, some groups of people can apply for a new EHIC issued in the UK. It includes EU nationals living in the UK before January 01, 2021, and UK students studying and living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland before January 01, 2021. To know if you are eligible for the new UK-issued EHIC visit the UK government website for details.
