Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)

There are 2 types of cover available.

You can apply for either:

  • a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC)
  • a UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement

Find out more about the Withdrawal Agreement on GOV.UK

For most people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for new applications.

A UK GHIC and new UK EHIC are free of charge. Beware of unofficial websites, they may charge you a fee to apply.

Before going abroad, make sure you check the latest COVID-19 travel guidance on GOV.UK .

There is no deadline to apply for a GHIC or EHIC. If you have an existing EHIC, you can continue to use it until it expires.

If you have an existing EHIC

If you have an existing EHIC, it will remain valid until the expiry date on the card.

You can apply for a new card up to 6 months before your current card expires.

It’s currently taking longer than usual to process new UK EHIC and GHIC applications due to high demand. We’re working to resolve this and will process all applications as soon as possible.

If you need emergency treatment while you’re visiting another country and haven’t received your card, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

How to use your card

You can use your card to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland.

Medically necessary healthcare means healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK. Whether treatment is necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.

Medically necessary healthcare includes things like:

  • emergency treatment and visits to A&E
  • treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition
  • routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
  • routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth
  • oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis

You'll need to pre-arrange some treatments with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you're visiting – for example, kidney dialysis or chemotherapy.

Check the Foreign Office country guides on GOV.UK for information on how to access treatment in the country you’re visiting

Not all state healthcare is free within the EU and Switzerland and so you may have to pay for services that you would get for free on the NHS.

Your EHIC or GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs. Make sure you have travel insurance as well as your card.

If you're abroad and do not have your card with you

You can get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to medically necessary healthcare if you travel to Europe without your existing EHIC, UK GHIC or new UK EHIC and need treatment during your visit.

If you need a PRC outside opening hours, you should call as soon as possible the next working day.

The PRC will give you the same cover as an existing EHIC, UK GHIC or new UK EHIC until you return home.

When calling for a PRC, you'll need to give:

  • your National Insurance number
  • your address
  • your date of birth
  • the name of the treatment facility
  • the email address for the specific department of the organisation providing your treatment

To apply for a PRC contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

Someone else can apply for a PRC on your behalf.

Where you can use your card

You can use a UK GHIC or existing EHIC while visiting:

  • an EU country
  • Switzerland (only UK nationals, Swiss nationals and EU citizens)

A UK GHIC may become valid in more countries in the future. Check this page before you travel.

You can only use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if you're a UK national, a Swiss national, a citizen of an EU Member State, a refugee, a stateless person, or a family member, dependant or survivor of someone who holds one of these nationalities or statuses.

You may be asked for proof of your nationality or your status when using your UK GHIC in Switzerland.

You can use a new UK EHIC (identifiable by a Union flag hologram in the top-right corner) while visiting:

  • Liechtenstein
  • Switzerland

The EU countries are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Who can apply for a UK GHIC

You may be eligible for a UK GHIC if you meet 1 of the following criteria:

  • you're legally living in the UK and you do not have healthcare cover provided by an EU country or Switzerland
  • you're living in the EU or Switzerland with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
  • you're living in the EU or Switzerland with an A1 document which is issued by the UK
  • you're a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed

Who can apply for a new UK EHIC under the Withdrawal Agreement

You may be eligible for a new UK EHIC if you meet 1 of the following criteria:

  • you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
  • you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK
  • you're a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who has legally resided in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement; you may not be covered if you‘re also a UK national or if you were born in the UK
  • you're a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed.
  • you're a Chen or Ibrahim/Teixeira carer

Dual nationals

If you live in the UK and jointly hold UK and EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein citizenship, you will not normally be eligible for a new UK EHIC unless you:

  • hold British citizenship through naturalisation
  • were a citizen of an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein before also becoming a British citizen

You'll usually be eligible for a UK GHIC.

People born in the UK

If you were born in the UK to British parents or parents who were settled in the UK and have lived in the UK from before 1 January 2021, you're not normally eligible for a new UK EHIC even if you're an EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein citizen.

This includes people of Northern Ireland who are Irish citizens.

Information for people who live in Ireland

You may be able to get a new UK EHIC if you are:

  • a UK State Pensioner or are receiving some other exportable benefits and you’ve been living in the Republic of Ireland since before 1 January 2021
  • a frontier worker, this means you're working in one country while living in another, and have been since before 1 January 2021

If you live in Ireland and think you’re eligible for a UK EHIC you cannot currently apply online and need to contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

Applying for family members

Every family member needs their own card. You can add a spouse, civil partner, durable partner and children to your application when you apply. You must enter your own details first and apply for any additional cards when prompted.

If you’ve already completed your application and wish to add additional family members you'll need to contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services . You should provide us with your reference number, name, date of birth and address so we can access your record.

Students studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland

If you normally live in the UK and have been studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for a new UK Student EHIC for use in the EU and your country of study.

You will not be able to use this card for treatment in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein unless one of these countries is your country of study.

If you started your course after 1 January 2021, or you're planning to study in an EU country, you'll need to apply for a Student GHIC. You can use the Student GHIC in the EU, Switzerland and your country of study, but not yet in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

To apply you'll need a letter from your university or college showing:

  • the name and address of the UK educational institution if you're travelling as part of your course
  • the address of where you're studying in the EU or Switzerland
  • details of the qualification you're studying for
  • the dates your study period in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland started and is due to finish
  • your permanent residential address in the UK

If the letter from your university or college does not include your permanent residential address in the UK, you will be asked to provide further evidence to confirm this.

Who cannot apply using this online service

Most people can apply using our online service.

You should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services if you fall into one of the following groups as you will not be able to use the online service to apply.

If you're an EU or Swiss national student

If you're an EU or Swiss national ordinarily resident in the UK, but studying in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein you may be entitled to a new UK EHIC or UK GHIC.

If you hold a UK-issued A1

If you work in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and have a UK-issued A1 document you may be entitled to a new UK EHIC or UK GHIC.

If you're an au pair or nanny

If you're a UK or Irish national who usually lives in the UK permanently and you're going to work as an au pair or nanny in an EU country or Switzerland, you can apply for a UK GHIC.

Chen and Ibrahim/Teixeira carers

If you're an adult carer of a child who is from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, but you're not from any of these countries or from the UK or Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for a new UK EHIC for yourself and for any other children you have who are not nationals of these countries.

You cannot apply if your right to reside in the UK is derived from your caring for a British citizen (Zambrano carer).

Dependent grandparents and grandchildren

You can add a grandchild to your new UK EHIC application if they’re a non-UK national, are a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein and are one of the following:

  • under 18, living in the UK and were born before 1 Jan 2021
  • older than 18 but born on or after 1 January 2000, and arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020
  • older than 18, born before 1 January 2000, arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020, and are dependent on you

You can add a parent or grandparent to your new UK EHIC application if they’re dependent on you or your partner. Their relationship with you must have begun before 1 Jan 2021, they must live with you and also:

  • be a non-UK national,
  • be a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein
  • they must have arrived in the UK after 31 December 2020

If they're a national of any other country, they can be added if they have settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS). If they do not have settled or pre-settled status, they can be added if their relationship with you began before 1 January 2021.

Claiming a refund

Depending on the country you visit you may be expected to pay all or part of your bill upfront and then claim a refund afterwards.

Some countries ask patients to pay a contribution towards the cost of their care, such as for prescription costs. This is known as a co-payment or patient share.

You can claim back the difference between the total bill and the co-payment, but the actual co-payment is not refundable.

Keep all receipts and any paperwork. You or your insurance company may need them if you're applying for a refund.

What to do if you believe your existing EHIC, UK GHIC or new UK EHIC has been wrongly rejected

If you believe that your UK GHIC, new UK EHIC or existing EHIC has been wrongly rejected by a hospital or other healthcare provider in the country you're visiting, you should try and resolve the issue with them.

Explain that the card entitles the holder to necessary healthcare. It may be useful to direct them to the European Commission’s EHIC webpage , which provides images of all valid UK-issued EHICs and the UK GHIC.

If you need more help, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services . They can give you advice on what to do.

What to do if you think you've been incorrectly charged for medical treatment by an EU Member State or Switzerland

It's important that you keep documents relating to your treatment. The Overseas Healthcare Services at the NHSBSA may ask you for more information to check your eligibility and the cost of the treatment you had. This could include:

  • receipts or invoices relating to treatment
  • confirmation of payments made to healthcare institutions
  • documents relating to insurance cover if your insurer paid for treatment
  • discharge documents

They'll look at your claim to decide whether you were charged when you should have been covered. If they determine that your treatment should have been covered by the UK GHIC, new UK EHIC or existing EHIC, they’ll reimburse you or your insurer for the costs of treatment which are covered by your card. This may not include the full cost of treatment.

You can contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

Page last reviewed: 29 June 2021 Next review due: 29 June 2024

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Get healthcare cover for travelling abroad

There is no deadline to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card or a UK European Health Insurance Card. If you have an existing European Health Insurance Card, you can continue to use it until it expires.

Use this service to:

  • check if you're eligible and apply for cover
  • replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If you're eligible, you'll receive a card that can be used to get cover for emergency treatment abroad. This will be either a:

  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
  • UK European Health Insurance Card (new UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement

We'll let you know what you're entitled to during your application.

What these cover

Both cards give you access to state-provided healthcare abroad for things like:

  • emergency treatment
  • visits to A&E
  • routine maternity care, unless you're going abroad to give birth (opens in a new tab)

Both cards provide the same cover but the countries they are valid in can change. Check our website to see where you can use each card (opens in a new tab) .

A UK EHIC or UK GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs and never covers repatriation costs. You should make sure that you have travel insurance as well as a UK EHIC or UK GHIC.

Applying for cover

Most people can apply for cover using our online service, but you may need to contact us depending on your circumstances. Find out who can apply for cover (opens in a new tab) .

Your card will remain valid until its expiry date. When your current card expires, you'll need to apply for a new one.

You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.

If you do not have a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and need emergency treatment abroad, you can still get help with paying for your treatment.

A Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) will entitle you to the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC, even if you do not have your card with you. This also covers you if you applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.

You can only apply for a PRC from the time you need treatment. A PRC can provide cover for treatment that has already taken place, but one cannot be issued in advance.

Check our website for more information and how to apply for a PRC (opens in a new tab) .

Before you start

You'll need:

  • your National Insurance number
  • the National Insurance numbers of any other people, including your partner, you're applying for who are 16 years old or over

Depending on your circumstances we may also ask for your NHS number, if you have one.

Important: Timeout warning

Your session will time out after 30 minutes of inactivity.

To process your application, we may share your information (where appropriate) with:

  • Indesser, Equifax, and LexisNexis, who are third party data providers acting on our behalf who will make a UK residency check
  • NHS Digital to validate EU Settlement Scheme status

For more information about how we use your information, read our privacy notice (opens in a new tab) .

NHS Business Services Authority

EHIC expiring soon? Apply for your UK GHIC now

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) following the UK’s exit from the EU.

More than 600,000 EHICs will expire between now and the end of 2022.

You can continue to use your EHIC until its expiry date. However, if your EHIC expires in the next six months, apply for your UK GHIC now and have it ready for your next holiday.

Whilst the government advises that you should always get travel insurance too, it’s worth having a UK GHIC. You can use your card to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare during your trip. Medically necessary healthcare includes things like:

  • emergency treatment and visits to A&E
  • treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition
  • routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
  • routine maternity care, as long as you're not  going abroad to give birth
  • oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis

You can use your UK GHIC, and your existing EHIC if it’s still in date, while visiting:

  • a European Union (EU) country
  • Switzerland

A UK GHIC may also become valid in more countries in the future so make sure you check www.nhs.uk/ghic before you travel.

Remember that the card may not cover all healthcare costs and you may have to pay for some services that you would get free on the NHS at home. Cards never cover repatriation costs.

Contact Information

Stuart hand.

Media and Campaigns Officer

NHS Business Services Authority

[email protected]

Global health insurance card to replace EHIC under new rules

  • Published 11 January 2021

The EHIC card will make way for a GHIC card

UK residents can apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access emergency medical care in the EU when their current EHIC card runs out.

Under a new agreement with the EU, both cards will offer equivalent healthcare protection when people are on holiday, studying or travelling for business.

This includes emergency treatment as well as treatment needed for a pre-existing condition.

The new GHIC card is free and can be obtained via the official GHIC website.

Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are valid as long as they are in date, and can continue to be used when travelling to the EU.

  • What's replacing the EHIC card?

You don't need to apply for a GHIC until your current EHIC expires.

People should apply at least two weeks before they plan to travel to ensure their card arrives on time.

Healthcare on holiday

Health Minister Edward Argar said: "Our deal with the EU ensures the right for our citizens to access necessary healthcare on their holidays and travels to countries in the EU will continue.

"The GHIC is a key element of the UK's future relationship with the EU and will provide certainty and security for all UK residents."

If a UK resident is travelling without a card, they are still entitled to necessary healthcare, and should contact the NHS Business Services Authority (which covers the whole of the UK), which can arrange for payment should they require treatment when abroad.

EHICs from EU member states will continue to be accepted by the NHS.

It is advised that anyone travelling overseas, whether to the EU or elsewhere in the world, should take out comprehensive travel insurance.

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Global health insurance card to replace EHIC under new rules

uk travel card nhs

UK residents can apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access emergency medical care in the EU when their current EHIC card runs out.

Under a new agreement with the EU, both cards will offer equivalent healthcare protection when people are on holiday, studying or travelling for business.

This includes emergency treatment as well as treatment needed for a pre-existing condition.

The new GHIC card is free and can be obtained via the official GHIC website.

Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are valid as long as they are in date, and can continue to be used when travelling to the EU.

  • What's replacing the EHIC card?

You don't need to apply for a GHIC until your current EHIC expires.

People should apply at least two weeks before they plan to travel to ensure their card arrives on time.

Healthcare on holiday

Health Minister Edward Argar said: "Our deal with the EU ensures the right for our citizens to access necessary healthcare on their holidays and travels to countries in the EU will continue.

"The GHIC is a key element of the UK's future relationship with the EU and will provide certainty and security for all UK residents."

If a UK resident is travelling without a card, they are still entitled to necessary healthcare, and should contact the NHS Business Services Authority (which covers the whole of the UK), which can arrange for payment should they require treatment when abroad.

EHICs from EU member states will continue to be accepted by the NHS.

It is advised that anyone travelling overseas, whether to the EU or elsewhere in the world, should take out comprehensive travel insurance.

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Get temporary cover for emergency treatment abroad (Provisional Replacement Certificate)

If you do not have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and need emergency treatment abroad, you can still get help with paying for your treatment.

A Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) will entitle you to the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC, even if you do not have your card with you. This also covers you if you’ve applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.

What is covered by a PRC

You can use a PRC to prove your entitlement to medically necessary healthcare if you travel abroad without your UK GHIC, new UK EHIC, or existing EHIC and need treatment during your visit. This will cover you for treatment that becomes medically necessary during your stay and cannot reasonably wait until you're back in the UK.

Medically necessary healthcare means things like:

  • emergency treatment and visits to A&E
  • treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition
  • routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring
  • routine maternity care, unless you're going abroad to give birth
  • oxygen therapy and kidney dialysis

If you’re eligible for a PRC, it will provide the same cover as what would normally be covered by an existing EHIC, UK GHIC or UK EHIC. This means that you’ll be covered for emergency treatment costs as if you were a resident of that country. A PRC can be issued to European Union (EU) countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

For more information on what is covered in the country you're visiting, check the guidance on the GOV.UK website . 

What you’ll need to apply

You’ll need to contact us to apply for a PRC. You’ll need to provide your: 

  • date of birth
  • National Insurance number, if you know this

We'll also ask for details about where you have had medical treatment, including the:

  • name of the hospital, clinic, or treatment facility
  • email address for the hospital, clinic, or treatment facility, which can be provided by medical staff

You can also apply for a PRC on behalf of someone else. If you do, we’ll ask you for their details.

Apply for a PRC

Apply for a PRC online To apply for a PRC by phone, contact us:

Telephone: 0191 218 1999  Telephone from outside the UK: +44 191 218 1999 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm   Find out about call charges

If you need a PRC outside of our opening hours, call as soon as possible the next working day.

If you have any questions about a PRC entitlement, you can email us at [email protected] .

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Everything you need to know about the Ghic, the post-Brexit health insurance card

Holding this card – which does not cost anything – means british travellers to the european union get free or discounted medical treatment, article bookmarked.

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So long, Ehic – the Ghic is the new card in town

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Since the EU referendum in 2016, there has been a great deal of uncertainty about whether the free healthcare on offer to British travellers to Europe will continue after the Brexit transition phase ends.

The free European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) is being phased out, replaced by the Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) – which is also free. Those already holding Ehics can continue to use them as normal, as both cards entitle the holder to free or discounted medical care in EU countries and Switzerland (though stricter conditions apply for the latter). However, check your Ehic is still in date – millions are set to expire during 2023. If you don’t have an Ehic, you’ll need to apply for a Ghic.

A  brief history of the Ehic

British travellers have long benefited from free or very low-cost medical treatment in some other countries – initially through reciprocal agreements and later, after the UK joined the then-EEC in 1973, with a Europe-wide agreement.

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  • Government to review EHIC applications after 'health tourism' claims

For decades the document for travellers was known as the E111, and was available from social-security offices.

In 2004, the European Union introduced the Ehic as a card demonstrating entitlement to medical care on the same basis as local people. It is available free to EU citizens, including (after Brexit) those living in the UK.

What exactly has changed since Brexit?

Perhaps oddly: British travellers have lost reciprocity with three non-EU members – Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – but not with the EU27 or Switzerland.  The UK and European Union will continue to offer “benefits in kind” to a citizen from the other side if those benefits “become necessary on medical grounds during their stay”. In other words: need health care? You’ve got it.

It’s important not to equate entitlement with possession of a valid European Health Insurance Card. The Ehic is simply an easy way to demonstrate that you qualify for treatment.

How do I get one?

Do not apply if you have a valid Ehic. 

You can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) on the NHS portal previously used for Ehic applications or by calling on 0300 330 1350.  The card is free. Do not use any third-party sites: they are likely to charge a fee.

Can I still apply for an Ehic renewal?

You can try and apply to renew it – but you’ll be redirected to apply for a Ghic, as that has now replaced the Ehics.

What do I if I have no valid card?

The EU says: “If the need arises, you will still receive the treatment necessary to enable you to continue your holiday without having to return home for treatment.”

If you have an existing Ehic, it will continue to be valid until its expiry date. If yours has run out, or you never had one, you are still entitled to care.

For treatment abroad, you are required to apply for a provisional replacement certificate (PRC). This is confirmation by the NHS that you are entitled to health care.

To get one, you, or a companion or family member, need to call NHS Overseas Healthcare Services on +44 191 218 1999 during working hours (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).

You must have your National Insurance number and the name of the hospital or other medical facility that is currently treating you. The certificate will then be emailed (or, quaintly, faxed) to the clinicians.

What treatment is covered? 

All emergency care, including issues arising from pregnancy – but not if you have gone abroad specifically to give birth.

In addition, pre-arranged medical treatment for specific conditions – notably kidney dialysis, oxygen therapy and chemotherapy – is covered, as before.

Note that only the EU27 countries and Switzerland are covered – ie not Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, which are members of the Schengen Area but not the European Union.

Does the agreement cover medical repatriation?

No. It is solely for easier access to medical treatment. There is no provision for taking you home free of charge if you fall seriously ill or suffer a serious accident. Only travel insurance will cover that.

One additional benefit of the decision to continue reciprocal health care is that travel insurance premiums are unlikely to rise significantly.

Is Ghic an alternative to travel insurance?

Travel insurance offers far more benefits besides local health care, including cover for cancellations, loss or theft and, in extreme cases, medical evacuation. The government warns: “Ehic and Ghic do not replace travel insurance.”

Abta, the travel association, goes even further, warning: “Taking out travel insurance is crucial when you book your holiday, whether it’s a domestic break or overseas.”

But older travellers, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, might rationally decide not to insure for journeys to locations covered by the Ghic – if they are prepared to self-insure for other risks. Note that medical repatriation by air usually costs tens of thousands of pounds.

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uk travel card nhs

  • International travel, immigration and repatriation during COVID-19

NHS COVID Pass

The NHS COVID Pass service has now closed.

This guidance was withdrawn on 8 March 2024

This content is now available at COVID-19: guidance and support .

Applies to England

  • Guidance for Northern Ireland
  • Guidance for Scotland
  • Guidance for Wales

This page applies to England. See information about COVID certificates in  Guernsey ,  Jersey  and the  Isle of Man .

There are no longer any domestic requirements to demonstrate your vaccination status.

The NHS COVID Pass is no longer required to travel abroad to any countries.

If you are travelling abroad, you should review travel entry requirements  for the countries you will visit or travel through.

The NHS COVID Pass was developed at the height of the pandemic to let you share your COVID-19 vaccination status in a secure way. It was mainly used for international travel, as well as for some domestic purposes, such as entry to venues or events.

Updated guidance as the service has now closed.

Updated information on the XBB vaccine under COVID-19 booster vaccinations.

Updated information on previous medical exemptions – users can no longer view a record of these within the NHS COVID Pass.

Updated guidance.

From 21 July 2022, children aged 5 to 11 in England and the Isle of Man can get a digital NHS COVID Pass for international travel.

Updated to reflect that children aged 5 to 11 in England and Wales can also get a NHS COVID Pass letter for travel if they have evidence of a positive COVID-19 NHS PCR test within the last 180 days.

Updated to reflect that the domestic NHS COVID Pass is no longer available and the medical exemptions service is no longer accepting new applications.

Updated to tell users that from 12 May 2022 the domestic NHS COVID Pass will no longer be available and new medical exemption applications will not be accepted from this point.

NHS COVID Pass letters for international travel are now available for children aged 5 to 11 living in England, Wales and Isle of Man.

Updated to reflect that the domestic NHS COVID Pass letter is no longer available. Updated to no longer encourage high-risk events and venues to check COVID status as a condition of entry. Merged with guidance on medical exemptions and guidance for organisations wanting to use the NHS COVID Pass.

Removed information about the passenger locator form, as people entering the UK no longer need to complete it.

Children aged 5 and above can now have details of eligible COVID-19 vaccinations they have received overseas added to their NHS Record.

Updated to provide information on how to contact the Vaccination Data Resolution Service.

Updated to reflect new government guidance on self isolation policy if you test positive for COVID-19.

From 18 February, residents in England who have received one or more of the following vaccines can have them added to their NHS Record to generate an NHS COVID Pass: Sinopharm Beijing/BIBP, SinoVac-CoronaVac, Covishield (Institute of India) or Covaxin (Bharat Biotech).

Added details about the information that will be needed to prove the identity of children aged 12 and over to get a digital NHS COVID Pass for international travel (available from 3 February 2022).

Updated to reflect it is no longer a legal requirement for venues or events to check the COVID-19 status of attendees as a condition of entry.

From 3 February, children aged 12 and over will be able to get a digital NHS COVID Pass for international travel.

Updated video about the NHS COVID Pass letter for travel abroad in British Sign Language (BSL).

Updated 'What to do if you get a positive test result' section to reflect change in self-isolation rules - people who test positive can stop self-isolating on day 6 if they have negative rapid lateral flow test results on days 5 and 6. Added a reference to the change in rules on 27 January, when it will no longer be mandatory for venues to check the COVID-19 status of attendees as a condition of entry.

Added video about the NHS COVID Pass letter for domestic use in British Sign Language (BSL).

Updated the section 'What to do if you receive a positive test result' to reflect that from 11 January, asymptomatic people in England with a positive lateral flow test are no longer advised to take a confirmatory PCR test to confirm they have COVID-19.

Updated the section 'What the NHS COVID Pass letter tells you: translated versions and alternative formats' to reflect that there are 2 NHS COVID Pass letters (one for travel, one for domestic use). Updated the section 'How to use the NHS COVID Pass when travelling abroad' to add information about the passenger locator form.

Updated the section on how to use the NHS COVID Pass when travelling abroad to reflect that proof of prior infection cannot be used as evidence of your COVID-19 status when entering England.

Guidance updated to reflect changes to the self-isolation advice for people who have received a positive COVID-19 test result.

Added call-out to reflect the NHS COVID Pass digital service will be offline from 10pm on Tuesday 14 December due to planned maintenance.

Updated to correct guidance in the 'Residents in England who have taken part in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials' section.

Added guidance on new mandatory certification rules on visiting certain venues and events coming into force on Wednesday 15 December if approved by Parliament.

Updated to reflect that fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can request an NHS COVID Pass letter for international travel.

Updated to reflect that fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can request an NHS COVID Pass letter for international travel from 9am on 13 December.

Updated to reflect that you can order an NHS COVID Pass letter to show proof of your booster vaccination for international travel.

Added the section 'Residents in England who have received COVID-19 vaccinations overseas'.

Updated information for residents in England who have taken part in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials.

Added information about how to store your NHS COVID Pass in Google Pay Wallet.

Updated to reflect the latest information on how to obtain your NHS COVID Pass in digital or letter format via the NHS.UK website.

From 19 November, you can see details of your COVID-19 booster vaccination in your NHS COVID Pass.

Added information about COVID-19 booster vaccinations: The NHS COVID Pass for travel does not currently include COVID-19 booster vaccinations. You do not need a COVID-19 booster vaccination to get an NHS COVID Pass for domestic use in England. Also updated to reflect the UK linking with the EU Gateway. Your NHS COVID Pass can be scanned to check and validate your COVID-19 vaccination status in venues in over 40 countries, including those in the EU.

Updated content to reflect changes to international travel rules on 4 October 2021 (the red, amber, green traffic light system was replaced by a single red list of countries and simplified travel measures for arrivals from the rest of the world).

Added information on using the NHS COVID Pass if you're unable to get vaccinated and/or tested for medical reasons.

From 23 September, you will be able to store your NHS COVID Pass for international travel in Apple Wallet, even if your device is offline.

Updated the 'Children' section: children under 18 do not have to demonstrate their COVID-19 status for entry to domestic events or venues in England. Children aged 16 or over can get an NHS COVID Pass for travel but should follow the entry requirements of the country they are travelling to.

Added a link to information about COVID certificates in the Isle of Man.

Updated to clarify that if you've been vaccinated in Scotland, to obtain your NHS COVID Pass you must be resident in England and registered with a GP in England.

Updated to confirm that you can get NHS COVID Pass if you have been fully vaccinated in England, Wales or Scotland. Updated information for those participating in vaccination clinical trials. Added the phone number for contacting the NHS COVID Pass service from overseas.

Added: 'If you're in the UK armed forces, visit 'My health care hub' on the Defence Gateway (login required) to find out how to get your NHS COVID Pass.'

Updated the BSL guide (video) for people who have received an NHS COVID Pass letter.

Updated to add a link to guidance for people fully vaccinated by the USA or EU.

Updated to reflect that proof of natural immunity shown by a positive PCR test can be used to demonstrate COVID-19 status when travelling abroad; the NHS COVID Pass can be stored used the Apple Wallet when using an iPhone or iPad; and those who received the Novavax vaccine as part of a formally approved vaccine trial, can now obtain the NHS COVID Pass.

Updated to remove information on the Events Research Programme trials, which ended on 25 July 2021.

Updated to reflect that from Monday 19 July, you may be asked to demonstrate your COVID-19 status as a condition of entry to a venue or event in England. Added the conditions of obtaining an NHS COVID Pass for use at domestic events in England.

Added links to guidance about COVID-19 vaccine certification in Guernsey, Jersey and Northern Ireland.

Updated to reflect that the NHS COVID Pass letter has new branding, and that a full course of approved vaccinations now includes the single-dose Janssen vaccine.

Updated to reflect that from 21 June 2021, the NHS service to demonstrate your COVID-19 vaccination status is now called the NHS COVID Pass. Also added that people taking part in event trials as part of the Events Research Programme will also be requested to use the NHS COVID Pass.

Added video in British Sign Language about what to do if you cannot get a post-vaccination letter.

Added information about what to do if you cannot get a post-vaccination status letter.

You can now request a COVID-19 vaccination status letter to be posted to you via the NHS.UK website.

Added link to easy-read version of the COVID-19 post-vaccination confirmation letter.

Updated information on how to access your COVID-19 vaccination status on the NHS website and NHS app.

Updated to add a link to a video about the post-vaccination confimation letter in BSL.

This page has been updated to reflect the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination status service and includes information on obtaining information in foreign languages and alternative formats.

Updated to reflect that if you call 119 to request a letter about your vaccination status, we expect the letter to take up to 7 working days to reach you.

Updated to reflect that you must wait at least 5 working days after you’ve completed your course of the vaccine before asking for a letter confirming your vaccination status to be posted to you. The letter can take up to 5 working days to reach you. It will be sent automatically to the address registered with your GP.

Updated to reflect that if you're aged 13 to 15, you'll need to contact your GP surgery to request access to GP online services before you can use the NHS App.

Updated to reflect that you should register with the NHS App before booking your international travel.

First published.

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  • Knowledge Base - Home

How do I access healthcare abroad if I do not have my card?

If you travel without your existing UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) and need treatment during your visit, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC).

You can only apply for a PRC if the need for treatment occurs during your visit. You can’t get a PRC in advance.

The PRC will give you the same cover as an EHIC, UK GHIC or UK EHIC until you return home.

You can apply for a PRC online or by contacting our helpdesk .

When applying for a PRC, you'll need to give:

  • your National Insurance number, if you know this
  • your address
  • your date of birth
  • the name of the treatment facility
  • your treatment end date
  • the email address for the hospital, clinic or treatment facility
  • when you returned or plan to return to the UK

Overview - Travel vaccinations

If you're planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.

Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever , typhoid and hepatitis A .

In the UK, the  NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.

When should I start thinking about the vaccines I need?

If possible, see the GP or a private travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you're due to travel.

Some vaccines need to be given well in advance to allow your body to develop immunity.

And some vaccines involve a number of doses spread over several weeks or months.

You may be more at risk of some diseases, for example, if you're:

  • travelling in rural areas
  • backpacking
  • staying in hostels or camping
  • on a long trip rather than a package holiday

If you have a pre-existing health problem, this may make you more at risk of infection or complications from a travel-related illness.

Which travel vaccines do I need?

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on these websites:

  • Travel Health Pro
  • NHS Fit for Travel

Some countries require proof of vaccination (for example, for polio or yellow fever vaccination), which must be documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before you enter or when you leave a country.

Saudi Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types of meningitis for visitors arriving for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.

Even if an ICVP is not required, it's still a good idea to take a record of the vaccinations you have had with you.

Find out more about the vaccines available for travellers abroad

Where do I get my travel vaccines?

First, phone or visit the GP practice or practice nurse to find out whether your existing UK vaccinations are up-to-date.

If you have any records of your vaccinations, let the GP know what you have had previously.

The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria.

They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them.

Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area.

If the GP practice can give you the travel vaccines you need but they are not available on the NHS, ask for:

  • written information on what vaccines are needed
  • the cost of each dose or course
  • any other charges you may have to pay, such as for some certificates of vaccination

You can also get travel vaccines from:

  • private travel vaccination clinics
  • pharmacies offering travel healthcare services

Which travel vaccines are free?

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:

  • polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab )
  • hepatitis A

These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.

Which travel vaccines will I have to pay for?

You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

  • hepatitis B
  • Japanese encephalitis
  • tick-borne encephalitis
  • tuberculosis (TB)
  • yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres .

The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.

It's worth considering this when budgeting for your trip.

Other things to consider

There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:

  • your age and health – you may be more vulnerable to infection than others; some vaccines cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions
  • working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
  • working in a medical setting – a doctor, nurse or another healthcare worker may require additional vaccinations
  • contact with animals – you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies

If you're only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you're unlikely to need any vaccinations.

But it's important to check that you're up-to-date with routine vaccinations available on the NHS.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Speak to a GP before having any vaccinations if:

  • you're pregnant
  • you think you might be pregnant
  • you're breastfeeding

In many cases, it's unlikely a vaccine given while you're pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby.

But the GP will be able to give you further advice about this.

People with immune deficiencies

For some people travelling overseas, vaccination against certain diseases may not be advised.

This may be the case if:

  • you have a condition that affects your body's immune system, such as HIV or AIDS
  • you're receiving treatment that affects your immune system, such as chemotherapy
  • you have recently had a bone marrow or organ transplant

A GP can give you further advice about this.

Non-travel vaccines

As well as getting any travel vaccinations you need, it's also a good opportunity to make sure your other UK vaccinations are up-to-date and have booster vaccines if necessary.

People in certain risk groups may be offered extra vaccines.

These include vaccinations against diseases such as:

Read more information on NHS vaccines for adults and children to find out whether you should have any.

Page last reviewed: 16 March 2023 Next review due: 16 March 2026

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COMMENTS

  1. Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)

    A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites - they may charge you a fee to apply. If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead. The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance.

  2. UK launches Global Health Insurance Card

    11 January 2021. UK's new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC) launched as part of UK-EU deal. Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC) will gradually replace existing European Health Insurance ...

  3. Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC)

    A UK GHIC may become valid in more countries in the future. Check this page before you travel. You can only use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if you're a UK national, a Swiss national, a citizen of an EU Member State, a refugee, a stateless person, or a family member, dependant or survivor of someone who holds one of these nationalities or statuses.

  4. Get healthcare cover for travelling abroad

    If you're eligible, you'll receive a card that can be used to get cover for emergency treatment abroad. This will be either a: UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) UK European Health Insurance Card (new UK EHIC), if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. We'll let you know what you're entitled to during your application.

  5. Healthcare abroad

    Government advice about healthcare abroad. GOV.UK: Healthcare for UK nationals visiting the EU. GOV.UK: Healthcare agreements with non-EU countries. Advice about healthcare if you're planning to visit or move to another country.

  6. Get healthcare cover for travelling abroad

    You can get help for paying for healthcare costs while you're travelling abroad. Depending on your circumstances, you'll be able to apply for either: a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. For most people, the UK Global Health Insurance Card ...

  7. PDF UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) application form

    If you are an organisation processing UK GHIC applications on behalf of a customer, you must state your full business name and address, as well as Companies House registration or charity number (if applicable). If you fail to provide this information the application will not be processed. 2/6. 2. The main applicant.

  8. Healthcare for visitors to the UK from the EU

    bring your European Health Insurance Card ... for will be charged at 150% of the national NHS rate. Travel insurance. The government always advises visitors to the UK to take out travel or health ...

  9. Where you can use your card

    Where you can use your card. There are 2 types of cards available for healthcare cover when you're travelling abroad. You can apply for either: a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) These both provide the same cover, but the countries they are valid in can change.

  10. How do I apply for healthcare cover if I'm travelling abroad?

    A UK GHIC and UK EHIC are usually valid for 5 years. When your card expires, you'll need to apply for a new one. You can apply up to 9 months before your card expires. We're unable to send your card to an address other than where you live. How to use your card. You can use your card to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare.

  11. EHIC expiring soon? Apply for your UK GHIC now

    The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) following the UK's exit from the EU. More than 600,000 EHICs will expire between now and the end of 2022. You can continue to use your EHIC until its expiry date. However, if your EHIC expires in the next six months, apply for your UK GHIC now and ...

  12. UK Global Health Insurance Card

    The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a card issued by the NHS Business Services Authority on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom. It is issued free of charge to anyone covered by the social security system of the United Kingdom and provides evidence of entitlement to the provision of healthcare services under the UK's reciprocal healthcare ...

  13. Global health insurance card to replace EHIC under new rules

    If a UK resident is travelling without a card, they are still entitled to necessary healthcare, and should contact the NHS Business Services Authority (which covers the whole of the UK), which can ...

  14. Planning your healthcare

    How to get an S1 form. You can apply for an S1 form from the Overseas Healthcare Services. Telephone: +44 (0)191 218 1999. Email: [email protected]. Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (GMT) You can apply for an S1 form up to 90 days before moving to live in an EU country.

  15. NHS 111 Wales

    GHIC, EHIC and UK EHIC give UK residents travelling in the EU access to emergency and medically necessary healthcare, including medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition. These cards cannot be used for any planned medical treatment. The GHIC replaces EHIC, which remains valid in the EU until its expiry date.

  16. Global health insurance card to replace EHIC under new rules

    UK residents can apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access emergency medical care in the EU when their current EHIC card runs out. Under a new agreement with the EU, both cards ...

  17. Get temporary cover for emergency treatment abroad ...

    Apply for a PRC. Apply for a PRC online To apply for a PRC by phone, contact us: Telephone: 0191 218 1999. Telephone from outside the UK: +44 191 218 1999. Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Find out about call charges. If you need a PRC outside of our opening hours, call as soon as possible the next working day.

  18. GHIC| A Simple Guide to European Health Insurance

    The UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) replaces the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Find out everything you know need to know about the new card. ... Not all state healthcare is free in the EU either and you may have to pay for services that you'd get for free on the NHS. If you have travel insurance you should be able to recoup ...

  19. Where can I use a UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or UK

    UK GHIC and EHIC cards are not a replacement for private travel insurance. Crown dependencies. Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are not part of the UK. A UK GHIC or UK EHIC cannot be used when visiting. If you ordinarily live there, you're not entitled to a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.

  20. Everything you need to know about the Ghic, the post-Brexit health

    You can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) on the NHS portal previously used for Ehic applications or by calling on 0300 330 1350. The card is free. The card is free.

  21. [Withdrawn] NHS COVID Pass

    The NHS COVID Pass was developed at the height of the pandemic to let you share your COVID-19 vaccination status in a secure way. It was mainly used for international travel, as well as for some ...

  22. How do I access healthcare abroad if I do not have my card?

    Views: If you travel without your existing UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) or UK European Health Insurance Card (UK EHIC) and need treatment during your visit, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). You can only apply for a PRC if the need for treatment occurs during your visit. You can't get a PRC in advance.

  23. Healthcare for UK passport holders living abroad

    For more information visit the Scottish Government's website. If you work anywhere outside the UK you can get healthcare from the NHS in Scotland if you lived in the UK legally for more than 10 years before moving abroad and: you have come back to the UK for a visit at least once every 2 years. your contract of employment allows you to visit ...

  24. Travel vaccinations

    The GP or practice nurse may be able to give you general advice about travel vaccinations and travel health, such as protecting yourself from malaria. They can give you any missing doses of your UK vaccines if you need them. Not all travel vaccinations are available free on the NHS, even if they're recommended for travel to a certain area.