In case your EHIC remains to be legitimate it may be used on journeys to any EU nation till it expires. These whose playing cards are about to run out or already expired must apply for a brand new card, which would be the new GHIC that has changed the EHIC. We have a look at what the EHIC/GHIC affords when it comes to protection:
Public healthcare – An EHIC/GHIC holder can go to any state-run hospital or seek the advice of a doctor that’s affiliated with the general public healthcare system of the EU nation they’re visiting. Whereas the therapy could also be free in some nations there could also be a value concerned that would be the similar as that paid by the locals. Nonetheless, not all companies like these supplied by the NHS could also be accessible in an EU nation with sufferers needing to go to non-public hospitals for his or her therapy.
Present situation: All EHIC/GHIC holders are coated for pre-existing medical situations whereas on a visit to any EU nation.
Routine maternity care: Any EHIC/GHIC particular person that’s pregnant is entitled to routine maternity care check-ups as and when wanted.
Common medical care: These on dialysis, requiring oxygen and so forth. can go to state healthcare services as scheduled on a go to to any EU nation. Nonetheless, they might want to make preparations with the hospital earlier than the journey.
Get appointments or A&E therapy at any state-run hospital in case of any medical emergency.
These travelling to Australia and New Zealand also can search therapy for a medical emergency at state healthcare services.
What shouldn’t be coated
EHIC/GHIC card holders can search emergency medical therapy at any state-run healthcare facility in an EU nation. Some therapies that aren’t included are:
Getting therapy at any non-public hospital or non-state affiliated physician shouldn’t be included.
If there’s a want for an air ambulance or any type of rescue by helicopter it’s not coated.
These on cruise liners are usually not eligible for therapy with their EHIC/GHIC playing cards at ports as a result of the ship travels from one nation to a different with these on board not thought-about short-term residents.
No type of deliberate medical therapy or deliberately visiting a rustic to offer delivery.
There could also be a value incurred for medical prescriptions in sure EU nations which might be paid by the locals as nicely and it’s not coated.
Any expenses for staying in a single day as a result of hospitalisation, laundry, meals and so forth. are usually not more likely to be coated by the EHIC/GHIC though non-public journey insurance coverage would possibly reimburse the payments.
Is everybody eligible for a GHIC?
The EHIC was legitimate for all EU residents throughout the UK and in different international locations that kind a part of the alliance. Nonetheless, the GHIC is just for UK nationals. People which might be UK taxpayers who stay within the nation as residents are coated by the NHS and entitled to the GHIC in case they go to any EU nation. EU nationals are additionally eligible for the EHIC in the event that they meet the required UK tips. These EU nationals that don’t qualify for a UK GHIC can get their EHICs from the EU nation they stay in.
If they alter their residency, the GHIC entitlement will even be affected and should lead to them turning into ineligible.
Utilizing an expired EHIC/GHIC shouldn’t be permitted with all medical prices will have to be paid by the person.
Any UK nationwide working or learning in an EU nation will not be entitled to a UK GHIC as it will rely upon their residency.