The free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitles the holder to free or discounted medical treatment at state-run hospitals and GPs in any European Union country, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.It will cover you for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay until your planned return. It also covers you for treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and for routine maternity care, as long as you’re not going abroad to give birth.
If you’re in Europe and you’ve got an GHIC, you’ll be entitled to the same treatment that local citizens are entitled to – extremely useful in emergencies. It’s completely free and valid for five years. All UK residents are eligible, residents of the Channel Islands and Isle of Man isn’t.
The GHIC has replaced the old E111 in 2006. The card is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both an GHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Some insurers now insist you hold an GHIC and many will waive the excess if you have one.