What is happening to the EHIC?
As per the UK’s and EU’s deal announced on the 24th December 2020, you can still use your EHIC until it expires.
After that, the UK government will issue you (providing you apply for it) a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC for the majority of UK citizens. Like the EHIC, the GHIC gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU), and the card remains free!
You can find out more information and apply for the GHIC.
What is the EHIC?
The EHIC card was designed to give UK citizens the right to access state-provided (not private) healthcare should you fall ill or have an accident in any EU country, or in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, where the scheme also applies.
Do I need to buy travel insurance for EU travel from now on?
Despite the introduction of the GHIC card, neither the EHIC nor the GHIC card are a replacement for travel insurance. Therefore, the UK Gov advises any UK citizens wishing to travel to the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland to have both an EHIC / GHIC card and travel insurance when they travel. This is because the EHIC/ GHIC card only entitles the holder to state healthcare, and in many countries, it does not cover 100% of those costs.
Furthermore, especially in emergency cases and / or in remote areas, you may find that you are taken to a private hospital or clinic – and those healthcare costs are not covered at all under EHIC/GHIC. Neither is repatriation to the UK, lost or stolen baggage, travel delay or any other issues that might befall you on your trip that is not healthcare related.
What if I already have cover with you. Has anything changed?
The Terms and Conditions of your policy are still valid as per the documents issued to you at time of purchase.
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