Introduction: The Post-Brexit Travel Landscape
The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union has reshaped many aspects of daily life, not least how Britons approach travel within Europe. For decades, UK residents enjoyed the security and convenience of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which provided access to state-provided healthcare during temporary stays in EU countries. However, with Brexit’s completion, these longstanding arrangements have shifted. Today, travellers from the UK face a new set of norms and requirements, particularly concerning medical coverage while abroad. This article explores the changes in travel insurance and EHIC provisions, offering clarity for UK residents planning trips to Europe post-Brexit.
2. What Is EHIC and How Has Its Role Changed?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) was once a staple for UK residents travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. This card granted access to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any participating country, under the same conditions and at the same cost as locals. For years, British travellers relied on the EHIC for reassurance that minor injuries or sudden illnesses abroad wouldn’t result in hefty medical bills. However, following Brexit, the landscape has changed significantly.
EHIC: Previous Benefits for UK Residents
Before Brexit, the EHIC offered a straightforward safety net. It covered medically necessary treatment due to illness or accident, as well as care for pre-existing conditions and routine maternity care (as long as the reason for visiting wasnt specifically to give birth). Importantly, the EHIC did not cover private healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, repatriation, or lost property – areas typically addressed by travel insurance.
| Aspect | EHIC Coverage Pre-Brexit |
|---|---|
| Eligible Countries | EEA & Switzerland |
| Type of Healthcare | State-provided only |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Covered |
| Maternity Care | Covered if not main reason for travel |
| Private Healthcare | Not covered |
Post-Brexit: How Has EHIC’s Validity Shifted?
The UK’s departure from the EU means that new EHICs are no longer issued to most UK residents. Existing EHICs remain valid until their expiry date, but only in certain countries. The UK government has introduced the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) as a replacement for most travellers. While the GHIC provides similar coverage within the EU, it does not extend to EEA countries outside the EU, nor Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
| Card Type | Covers EU? | Covers EEA (non-EU)? | Covers Switzerland? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old EHIC (pre-Brexit) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| New GHIC (post-Brexit) | Yes | No | No |
Key Takeaway for UK Travellers
The shift from EHIC to GHIC marks a significant change in health cover for UK travellers in Europe. It is now crucial to check your card’s validity before you travel and understand where it applies. For destinations outside the EU, or for more comprehensive protection (such as private healthcare or repatriation), robust travel insurance is more important than ever.
3. Introducing the GHIC: The UK’s Replacement Scheme
Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is gradually being replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for most UK residents. The GHIC serves as the government’s new solution to ensure that British travellers continue to have access to emergency healthcare when visiting Europe. Understanding how this card works—and its limitations—is crucial for anyone planning travel within the EU.
What Is the GHIC?
The GHIC is a free card issued by the NHS that entitles UK residents to state-provided medical treatment during a temporary stay in EU countries. It is designed to cover necessary healthcare at reduced cost, or sometimes for free, on the same terms as residents of the country you are visiting. Unlike private travel insurance, the GHIC does not cover everything, but it does provide a safety net for unexpected medical issues abroad.
Coverage Areas and Differences from EHIC
One of the main differences between the EHIC and GHIC lies in their territorial coverage. While the EHIC covered all EEA countries plus Switzerland, the GHIC is currently limited to EU member states only—meaning it no longer extends to non-EU countries like Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. This reduction in coverage area is particularly significant for those used to travelling more widely across Europe.
What Does the GHIC Cover?
The GHIC covers medically necessary healthcare during your trip, such as emergency treatment, routine maternity care (provided youre not going abroad specifically to give birth), and treatment of pre-existing conditions if required. However, it’s important to note that repatriation costs and private medical care are not included. As with the EHIC, you may still be expected to pay a contribution towards your care if local residents are also required to do so.
Applying for and Using Your GHIC
Applying for a GHIC is straightforward and free through the official NHS website; beware of unofficial sites charging fees. Once received, present your card when accessing healthcare in an EU country. Always check in advance whether your destination accepts the GHIC and what specific services are covered under their public health system, as local rules can vary substantially.
In summary, while the GHIC continues many of the protections offered by the EHIC within EU countries, its reduced geographic scope and unchanged exclusions mean that it should be considered part of your travel safety net rather than a complete replacement for comprehensive travel insurance.
4. Travel Insurance: Why It’s More Important Than Ever
With the changes brought about by Brexit, travel insurance has taken on a new level of importance for UK residents heading abroad. While the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and its successor, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), still provide some access to state-provided healthcare in Europe, they leave significant gaps that only comprehensive travel insurance can fill.
The Gaps Left by (E/G)HIC Coverage
(E/G)HIC cards are helpful, but their scope is limited. They do not cover private medical treatment, repatriation costs, or non-medical issues such as trip cancellation, lost luggage, or personal liability. The following table illustrates key differences:
| Aspect | (E/G)HIC | Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Access to State Healthcare | Yes (in participating countries) | Yes (via reimbursement or direct payment) |
| Private Medical Treatment | No | Yes |
| Repatriation to UK | No | Yes |
| Cancellation & Curtailment | No | Yes |
| Theft & Loss of Luggage | No | Yes |
What To Look For In A Policy
Given these gaps, it is crucial for travellers to carefully review what their travel insurance covers. Here are some key features to consider:
- Comprehensive Medical Cover: Ensure the policy covers emergency medical expenses, including hospital stays and repatriation.
- Cancellations and Delays: Look for protection against unforeseen events that might disrupt your plans.
- Baggage and Personal Belongings: Cover for loss, theft, or damage is essential.
- Personal Liability: This will protect you if you accidentally cause harm or damage while abroad.
UK-Specific Considerations Post-Brexit
Since Brexit, reciprocal arrangements between the UK and EU/EEA countries may change at short notice. Always check the latest government advice before travelling. Furthermore, some destinations now require proof of adequate travel insurance as part of their entry requirements.
A Practical Approach for UK Travellers
The reality is clear: relying solely on an (E/G)HIC is no longer sufficient. Travel insurance has become a necessity rather than a luxury for UK residents post-Brexit. By understanding what each option provides—and where the gaps lie—travellers can make informed decisions to ensure their journeys are both safe and financially protected.
5. Comparing EHIC/GHIC and Travel Insurance: Coverage Breakdown
For UK residents planning trips to Europe post-Brexit, understanding the distinctions between the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), its replacement the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), and traditional travel insurance is essential. Below is a side-by-side breakdown, focusing on core areas of coverage and practical implications for British travellers.
Scope of Medical Cover
EHIC/GHIC
The GHIC (and still-valid EHICs) provide access to state-provided medical care in EU countries at the same cost as local residents. This typically includes emergency treatment, necessary medication, and routine maternity care—but only when medically necessary during your trip. Crucially, GHIC does not cover private healthcare or non-urgent treatments.
Travel Insurance
A comprehensive travel insurance policy offers much broader protection. It covers emergency medical expenses (often including private clinics), repatriation to the UK if required, ambulance costs, dental emergencies, and sometimes even pre-existing conditions if declared. Importantly, it can also help with expenses if you need to cut your trip short due to illness.
Additional Benefits Beyond Healthcare
EHIC/GHIC
These cards are strictly limited to medical treatment—there’s no cover for lost luggage, trip cancellations, theft, or personal liability.
Travel Insurance
This is where travel insurance shines. Besides medical cover, policies typically include compensation for baggage loss or damage, cancellation or curtailment due to unforeseen events, legal expenses, and personal liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad.
Geographical Validity
EHIC/GHIC
After Brexit, GHIC and new EHICs are valid throughout the EU but do not generally extend to EEA countries like Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, nor to Switzerland unless you’re covered by specific agreements.
Travel Insurance
You can tailor travel insurance for worldwide cover or just European destinations—including countries outside the EU/EEA—making it much more flexible for multi-country itineraries.
Key Similarities and Overlaps
Both EHIC/GHIC and travel insurance help ensure that you won’t be left stranded without medical care in an emergency while travelling in Europe. They can be used together: most insurers expect you to use your EHIC/GHIC first when accessing state healthcare in the EU before claiming on your policy for any additional costs.
Summary Table: What’s Covered?
- Medical Emergencies: Both (but travel insurance covers more scenarios)
- Repatriation: Only with travel insurance
- Lost Baggage/Theft/Cancellation: Only with travel insurance
- Treatment in Private Clinics: Usually only with travel insurance
The bottom line? For UK travellers post-Brexit, relying solely on an EHIC or GHIC leaves significant gaps—comprehensive travel insurance remains a necessity for peace of mind and full protection abroad.
6. Practical Tips for UK Travellers Post-Brexit
With the changes brought about by Brexit, British travellers must be more diligent when planning trips to Europe and other destinations. Here are some practical tips to help you stay prepared and well-covered:
Check Your EHIC/GHIC Status
If you still hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued before the end of the Brexit transition period, check its expiry date. For most UK residents, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the EHIC for new applications. Apply for a GHIC well in advance of your travel dates via the official NHS website—avoid unofficial sites that may charge unnecessary fees.
Understand What GHIC Covers—and What It Does Not
The GHIC entitles you to necessary state-provided healthcare in EU countries at reduced cost or sometimes free. However, it does not cover all health-related scenarios. It excludes private medical care, mountain rescue, repatriation to the UK, and non-urgent treatments. If you plan to visit non-EU countries or those not covered by reciprocal healthcare agreements, the GHIC will not suffice.
Select Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Always purchase travel insurance even if you have a valid EHIC or GHIC. Look for policies that provide:
- Medical expenses cover (including COVID-19 related issues)
- Repatriation costs
- Cancellations and delays
- Lost luggage and personal belongings
Read policy documents carefully to ensure coverage matches your needs and destination requirements. Some insurers require proof of GHIC application, so double-check with your provider.
Research Country-Specific Requirements
Laws and healthcare arrangements vary between European countries post-Brexit. Some may require proof of travel insurance as a condition of entry. Check Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for each country you intend to visit.
Keep Documentation Handy
Carry physical or digital copies of your insurance policy, EHIC/GHIC, passport, and any relevant emergency contact numbers while travelling. This will help in case you need urgent medical attention or have to make an insurance claim abroad.
Stay Updated on Changes
The situation around international travel continues to evolve. Sign up for alerts from official government sources or reliable travel organisations so you’re informed about any new requirements or updates affecting UK travellers.
By taking these steps, British travellers can mitigate risks and enjoy peace of mind when heading to Europe—or further afield—in the post-Brexit era.
