Where to Ski And Snowboard - GHIC replaces EHIC for British skiers

GHIC replaces EHIC for British skiers

14th January 2021, by Abi Butcher

The GHIC will not cover skiers for mountain rescue so travel insurance is still needed

Travellers are being warned not to be conned into paying for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) that has this year replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), following Britain’s departure from the EU.

The GHIC is free to UK citizens and works in a very similar way to the EHIC, allowing British travellers access to free or heavily discounted medical treatment while on holiday in the EU. It is valid across Europe in all countries apart from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Provided you’re not travelling specifically to seek medical treatment or give birth, the GHIC also covers any necessary medical treatment for existing conditions — including routine maternity care.

The GHIC is for Brits whose EHIC has expired — so if your current European Health Insurance Card is still in date, you will be able to use it. If your EHIC has expired, you can apply for one online via the official website nhs.co.uk or call 0300 330 1350.

But there are some fraudulent websites already circulating that charge users a fee to apply for the GHIC — as there were for the EHIC.

Although a GHIC covers the cost of medical treatment while abroad, travellers must still purchase travel insurance, which covers the cost of mountain rescue, holiday cancellation, repatriation and any lost or damaged luggage.

Most travel providers also now offer Covid cover, including cancellation of your trip in the event of a positive Covid test or redundancy cover.