The Essentials for Stress-Free Travel: Understand Your Health Insurance
Planning your next adventure ought to be as stress-free as possible, yet a lot of us may forget a number of of the essentials within the build-up. It’s easy to get excited concerning the fun facets of your trip comparable to selecting a destination and planning your itinerary of must-see sights. Nonetheless, there are also loads of less-exciting facets to plan that make sure you’re able to travel when the massive day comes.
One necessary aspect is the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and that is something you ideally shouldn’t set off without. Chances are you’ll have already got one, and even the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which was the previous version. If not, it’s essential to use early for a latest GHIC in order that it arrives before you travel. Alongside comprehensive travel insurance all through your trip, the GHIC will ensure you’ll be able to access medical treatment whenever you need it most, but don’t worry – below we’ll explain what the GHIC is, how you can get one, and why it’s definitely price having.
What’s the EHIC and GHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) enabled travellers inside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland access to state-provided healthcare during a short lived stay. This meant that it covered medically needed treatments under the identical conditions as it might for local residents without cost or at a reduced cost, excluding private healthcare[i].
The GHIC replaced the EHIC post-Brexit for UK residents on 1 January 2021. Whilst the name modified, it maintains similar advantages. The brand new GHIC allows access to needed healthcare within the EU when you ever need it whilst away, covering pre-existing conditions and routine maternity care. Nonetheless, it is just not currently valid in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, although the UK government is in search of to “conclude latest, comprehensive agreements” for GHIC style coverage[ii].
If you could have an EHIC card, it may well still be used so long as it’s inside its expiry date printed on the front. Whether it is expired, you will want to use for a GHIC to switch this, ensuring you could have continued access to healthcare abroad.
The way to Apply for a GHIC
Whether it’s essential replace your expired EHIC or apply for a GHIC for the primary time, it’s straightforward to do. Here’s how you’ll be able to secure your GHIC for peace of mind before travelling:
- Apply Online –The fastest option to apply for a GHIC is thru the official NHS website. If you could have trouble doing so, you’ll be able to contact the Overseas Healthcare Service by completing their online enquiry form[iii].
- Required Documents – You’ll need your National Insurance number and private details. For family applications, include the small print of all members of the family. Each member of the family will need their very own GHIC.
- Processing Time – You’ll receive an email inside 24 hours to substantiate if the appliance has been approved. Once it has, the GHIC should arrive inside 15 working days by post. If this doesn’t arrive before you travel, you will want a Provisional Alternative Certificate (PRC) for temporary cover must you need it whilst away.
Applying for a GHIC is free through the NHS, so avoid using any unofficial web sites which will charge a fee to do that. Once you could have your GHIC, it’s valid for as much as 5 years, long enough to slot in a number of European adventures.
What Does the GHIC Cover?
Understanding what the GHIC covers is crucial when planning any trips away. Here’s what the GHIC will offer you and its limitations[iv]:
- Coverage in EU countries – You should use the GHIC in the next 27 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden[v]. You can too use a UK GHIC in Switzerland, Montenegro and Australia.
- Emergency Medical Treatment – GHIC ensures you receive needed medical treatment for sudden illnesses or injuries.
- Pre-existing Conditions – It covers treatment for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions, offering peace of mind for those with ongoing health issues.
- Routine Maternity Care – Should you travel while pregnant, you’ll be able to access routine maternity care (not including childbirth) within the EU when you require it during your trip.
- Reduced or Free Healthcare Costs – With a GHIC in hand, healthcare services could also be offered at a reduced cost or without cost, much like treatment for residents of that country.
What doesn’t the GHIC Cover?
- Non-EU Countries – GHIC is just not currently valid in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
- Non-Covered Services – GHIC doesn’t cover private medical healthcare, ski or mountain rescue, being flown back to the UK, or lost/stolen property.
- Supplementary to Travel Insurance – While GHIC provides significant coverage in eligible countries, it’s not an alternative choice to travel insurance. Having suitable travel insurance is advisable for coverage on other things like lost luggage, cancellations, and services not covered by GHIC.
Travelling with GHIC – Top Suggestions
There’s nothing like having peace of mind whenever you’re away and looking out to enjoy yourself, and having a GHIC is a terrific option to ensure a safer and stress-free travel experience inside the EU. Nonetheless, reasonably than counting on just this in your pocket, it’s best to take note the next:
Mix GHIC with Travel Insurance – While GHIC provides access to needed healthcare, it doesn’t cover several critical facets comparable to private medical healthcare, repatriation to the UK, or lost/stolen property. Comprehensive travel insurance fills these gaps and may cover you for all the pieces else you may need, especially if you could have a pre-existing condition or are planning on doing any extreme sports or activities.
Understand Healthcare Systems of Your Destination – Healthcare systems and procedures can vary significantly across the EU. Research how the general public healthcare system works in your destination country, including any fees or patient contributions which may be required.
Know What to Do in a Medical Emergency – It’s an excellent idea to familiarise yourself with the emergency services number in your destination (112 in all EU countries[vi]). Understand the method for in search of medical attention, including how and where to present your GHIC.
Keep Your GHIC Accessible – Carry your GHIC with you in any respect times during your trip. Consider also keeping a digital copy in your phone or in your email just in case the physical card is lost or stolen. Remember, you’ll be able to apply for a PRC when you do misplace your card whilst away.
Check the Expiry Date Before Traveling – GHICs are valid for as much as 5 years, so remember to make sure your card is valid all through your trip. In case your GHIC is near expiration, renew it well prematurely of your travel dates. You may apply as much as 9 months before it expires.
Be Prepared for Out-of-Pocket Expenses – In some cases, chances are you’ll have to pay for healthcare services upfront and seek reimbursement later. Keep all receipts and detailed documentation of any medical treatment received abroad.
We comprehend it’s not probably the most exciting a part of planning your next getaway but ensuring you could have a legitimate GHIC before you travel is very advisable. It’s higher to have the peace of mind just in case you ever need to make use of it, and remember, it only takes a number of minutes to do online and is free to accomplish that – so long as it’s through the NHS website.
So what are you waiting for? Apply and get your GHIC well prematurely, ensure you might be completely covered for all the pieces else with suitable travel insurance, and revel in your time away.Top of Form
Sources:
[i] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Health_Insurance_Card
[ii] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-reciprocal-healthcare-agreements-with-non-eu-countries
[iii] https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/contact-overseas-healthcare-services
[iv] https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/
[v] https://www.gov.uk/eu-eea
[vi] https://europa.eu/youreurope/residents/travel/security-and-emergencies/emergency/index_en.htm
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