Global Health Insurance Card: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to get your Global Health Insurance Card to access reduced-cost state healthcare when traveling to EU countries.
The Global Health Insurance Card is a card for UK residents that helps you access state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost when traveling to EU countries.
Who it's for
This card is intended for UK residents who are planning to travel to EU countries. If you are a resident in the United Kingdom and your travels take you into the EU, this scheme is designed to support your medical needs while abroad.
What you get
The primary benefit is access to reduced-cost state-provided healthcare. If you require medical attention while in an EU country, presenting this card can help ensure you receive care under the same conditions as the local population, preventing unexpected high costs for state-funded medical services.
What it costs you
Applying for this card is free. There is no charge to request the card from the issuing body. While the application itself does not cost money, you should remain vigilant and beware of scam sites that may attempt to charge you a fee for a service that is provided for free.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that this card is not a replacement for travel insurance. While it helps with the cost of state-provided medical care, it does not cover all types of medical expenses or other travel-related costs that a private travel insurance policy would typically handle.
How to apply
- Visit the official government healthcare portal.
- Complete the online application process.
- Wait for your card to be processed and delivered.