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Are EHIC/GHIC cards offered for free?
Yes, the EHIC and GHIC are both free of charge, and you may apply for the card online at the NHS. For those who don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of paperwork and documents, there is also the option to apply for the card via third-party websites.
Steps involved in applying for a card
The NHS government website will be the fastest way to complete the task. Fill out the form’s fields in full. Be sure to keep your social security number close at hand. Similarly, if you are filling out the form on behalf of another person, you will also require their NIN. The NHS number will also need to be provided. There is no request for medical history or records. Typically, it takes 10 working days for the card to arrive by mail. It is advised to apply for your card well in advance of its expiration. Six months before the card expires, you can sign up for a new one. There is an option to call in advance of the card’s arrival if there is a medical emergency.
When should I get a new EHIC?
Since it only needs replacing if it is going to expire, check the expiration date first. The EHIC card offers advantages if kept until it expires because it will still be valid in non-EU countries including Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Iceland. If your EHIC has to be updated, you can apply up to six months in advance, ensuring that it will arrive in time and that the cardholder won’t be without a working card when travelling within the EU.
What should I do if I lose my EHIC or GHIC card while travelling?
In the unlikely event that you do lose your card while travelling, you shouldn’t worry too much. Emergency medical care can still be accessed even if the card is lost or stolen while travelling.
As soon as you are certain it is missing (either lost or stolen), register for a PRC right away (Provisional Replacement Certificate). This can be done by calling their UK toll-free number or online through the NHS foreign healthcare services.
The PRC stands in for emergency medical care in the EU when you don’t have an EHIC or GHIC and provides the same degree of protection as the cards.
Do you need travel insurance if you have an EHIC or GHIC?
Both serve entirely distinct functions, hence it is always advised to get travel insurance when visiting the EU.
Even if the GHIC or EHIC provide coverage, there may be a fee for the treatment and other costs that are not included. Therefore, the UK government always suggests that its citizens carry travel insurance when they travel abroad with an EHIC or GHIC.
A reliable travel insurance plan will pay for any unexpected costs in the event of an accident or hospitalisation while travelling. Additionally, it must to provide coverage for care at private hospitals, pay for any rescue expenses, medical repatriation, etc.
Even if the GHIC or EHIC provide coverage, there may be a fee for the treatment and other costs that are not included. Therefore, the UK government always suggests that its citizens carry travel insurance when they travel abroad with an EHIC or GHIC.
A reliable travel insurance plan will pay for any unexpected costs in the event of an accident or hospitalisation while travelling. Additionally, it must to provide coverage for care at private hospitals, pay for any rescue expenses, medical repatriation, etc.
