Millions of Brits missing out on completely free travel card that can save you a fortune on holiday
BRITS have been warned about not packing a certain travel document in their suitcase when going on holiday, or risk having to fork out a fortune on expensive bills.
No one goes abroad expecting something to go wrong, but there’s always a risk that something might happen.
That’s why UK holidaymakers have been urged to sign up for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), which provides Brits access to medically necessary state healthcare.
This includes all 27 EU countries, Switzerland, Montenegro, the Channel Islands and Australia.
The card is free for Brits, who can apply to get a new one nine months before their old one expires.
It’s valid for five years and replaced the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which became obsolete following Brexit.
It’s estimated that as many as 32 million Brits don’t have, or don’t know if they have, the GHICs, according to research from Direct Line Travel Insurance.
However, travel company Trtl explained that the card could save people money on costly medical bills, should anything happen to them abroad.
They said: “The Global Health Insurance Card is recommended for any international travel as it allows you to access treatment for any illnesses or ailments that cannot reasonably wait until you’re back in the UK.
“This means you can still receive the necessary care without having to pay, including any trips to A&E, treatment for long-term or pre-existing conditions, and routine maternity care — provided that you’re not planning to give birth abroad.”
The card doesn’t necessarily guarantee free healthcare for Brits who need it while abroad, but it can offer it at a heavily reduced rate.
That’s why it’s important to research what you might have to pay for and also to get travel insurance to avoid being stuck with a huge bill should any treatment be needed.
Trtl continued: “It’s important to remember that these cards don’t necessarily entitle you to free healthcare for standard treatments that a local resident would be expected to pay for.
“For this reason, you should thoroughly research the state-provided healthcare services in your destination country before travelling so you’ll know what to expect if you fall ill while on holiday.
“By spending a minimal amount of money insuring your trip, travellers can protect themselves from suffering significant financial losses if anything goes wrong while they’re away or their bookings are externally cancelled before they depart.”
What’s more, the GHIC isn’t globally accepted, with the cards not providing cover in places like Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
How to apply for a GHIC
Applying for GHIC is a simple process for Brits.
The UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years.
They can be applied for as much as nine months before a person’s current card expires.
Anyone who needs one should apply through the NHS website, and should avoid unofficial websites that may try to charge a fee to apply.
They can take around 10-20 days to be delivered, depending on demand so applicants will need to allow enough time ahead of their holidays.
The GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance and may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs.
Travellers should make sure that they have travel insurance as well as their GHIC to ensure they are fully covered.
Which is why it’s even more important to get comprehensive insurance.
They added: “Travel insurance is essential if you plan to book a holiday independently without using a package deal from a travel agent or other holiday broker.
“It protects you from being out of pocket if you need to cancel the trip for reasons beyond your control.
“It can also help you recoup costs if you suffer a medical emergency during your trip or even if you miss your chosen mode of transport for unavoidable external reasons.”
The UK government also insists that Brits travelling with a GHIC also get insurance to cover them for their trips.
Its website states: “The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.”
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