Can I get a free EHIC/GHIC card?
Yes, both the EHIC and the GHIC are free of cost and one can apply for the card via the NHS website. There is the option also to apply for the card via third-party websites for those individuals that do not want to deal with hassle of paperwork and documentation.
What is the process for a card application?
The quickest will be to do directly via the NHS government website. Fill out the details of the form. Make sure to keep your national insurance number handy. Likewise, if you are filling the form out for someone else you will need their national insurance number as well. There will also be a need to provide for the NHS number. No medical history or records are asked for. In most cases the card takes 10 working days to arrive via post. It is recommended to apply for your card in advance before it expires. There is the option to register for a new card six months before the expiry date. In case of a medical emergency before the card arrives, there is the option to get a PRC (Provisional Replacement Certificate).
When to replace the EHIC?
Check the expiry date first as it will only need replacement is it about to expire. Retaining the EHIC card until it expires has its benefits as it will also be valid in non-EU nations like Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Iceland. If there is a need to get your EHIC replaced this can be applied well in advance of up to six months so that the replacement arrives well in time and the cardholder is not left without a valid card to travel in the EU.
What to do in case of loss of EHIC/GHIC card when travelling?
There is no need to worry much in case you do lose your card while travelling. Having your card stolen or losing it in a trip does not mean the cardholder cannot access emergency medical treatment.
Once you are sure that it is missing (either lost or stolen) immediately register for a PRC (Provisional Replacement Certificate). This can be done online through the NHS overseas healthcare services or even ringing them on their UK toll free number.
When you do not have a EHIC or GHIC, the PRC serves as a stand in for emergency medical healthcare in the EU and offers the same level of coverage as the cards.
Its travel insurance necessary with an EHIC or GHIC?
Both serve completely different purposes, so having travel insurance is always recommended when on a trip to the EU.
While the GHIC or EHIC do offer coverage, there may be cost for the treatment and additional expenses all of which will not be covered by the cards. Therefore, the UK government always advises its nationals that travel overseas with their EHIC or GHIC to also carry travel insurance.
Having a sound travel insurance policy will cover any additional expenses in case of an accident or hospitalization when on a trip. It should also offer coverage for treatment at private hospitals, cover any rescue costs, medical repatriation etc.
Some of the other thing apart from medical costs that are covered under travel insurance include losing your baggage, hotel or flights cancellations etc. all of which can be refunded by the travel insurance company.
While having a travel insurance offers that extra protection, the GHIC/EHIC will also cover areas not covered by travel insurance. E.g., Meeting with an accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs would be covered by the GHIC card.
