Data released by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) under a Freedom of Information request (FOI-02758, published 16 May 2025) shows that there were 3,383,630 fewer valid UK GHIC and EHIC cards in April 2025 than in January 2020, the earliest date covered by the data.

These are counts of cards, not people: the NHSBSA notes that one person can hold both a UK GHIC and a UK EHIC. The same release shows that 1,960,640 EHICs, UK GHICs and UK EHICs were due to expire during 2025.

UK residents made an estimated 94.6 million visits abroad in 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (Travel trends 2024, published 26 August 2025). Spain, France and Italy were the most visited countries.

What is a GHIC card?

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets eligible UK residents get state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until they return to the UK, either free or at the same cost as a resident of the country they are visiting. According to the NHS, this includes emergency treatment, visits to A&E, and treatment for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions.

The NHS says a UK GHIC can be used in European Economic Area countries (the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and in certain other places, including Montenegro, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. In Switzerland it can be used only by British, Swiss or EU nationals, refugees, stateless people and their family members. In Montenegro the NHS says emergency treatment is free, but you'll have to pay for prescribed medicines and other medical treatment. The NHS website lists all the places where the card is accepted.

The GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most UK residents after the Brexit transition period ended on 31 December 2020. The UK had formally left the EU on 31 January 2020. An existing EHIC can be used until the expiry date shown on the card. Some people covered by the Withdrawal Agreement can apply for a new UK EHIC instead of a GHIC. A UK GHIC lasts for up to five years.

How much the UK pays for healthcare in EU countries

The same FOI release shows the amounts accepted for reciprocal healthcare costs charged to the UK by EU member states. NHSBSA explains that each year is the year a claim is accounted against, not necessarily the year the treatment took place, so recent years may not yet be complete.

Between 2021 and 2024, the amounts accepted totalled about £246.3 million. That compares with £127.3 million in 2019 alone. The data doesn't show why the amounts have fallen. Factors could include reduced travel during the pandemic and the time it takes for claims to be agreed between countries.

Is a GHIC a substitute for travel insurance?

No. The NHS says a UK GHIC "is not a replacement for travel insurance". It doesn't cover medical repatriation to the UK, treatment in a private medical facility, or ski and mountain rescue. Travel insurance policies can also cover things such as trip cancellation and lost or stolen belongings, depending on the policy. In some countries patients pay part of the cost of state treatment, and a GHIC only gives access on the same terms as residents.

According to GOV.UK, some insurers may waive the excess on a medical claim if you use a GHIC or EHIC. The terms of each policy set out whether this applies. Cover, exclusions and terms vary between insurers, and ClearScore does not provide advice on which policy to choose.

How to apply for a GHIC

A UK GHIC is free. You can apply through the official NHS website. The NHS says a new card should arrive within 15 working days. If you need treatment abroad without your card, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

The NHS warns people to avoid unofficial websites, which may charge a fee to apply.