300x85.png)
Hong Kong
Singapore
China
Dubai
Thailand
United Kingdom
Mexico
UK citizens can still use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access necessary public healthcare in the EU after Brexit, though it has been largely replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card. Coverage includes essential medical treatment under specific conditions while traveling.
Discover the world’s top
health insurers.
Compare quotes with
a click of the button.
For EU citizens visiting the UK, access to public healthcare remains available through the EHIC, ensuring they can receive vital services. However, securing travel insurance or international health insurance is advisable to cover any additional costs or treatments not included by the EHIC.
The European Health Insurance Card
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is crucial for traveling within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. It ensures that cardholders can access necessary healthcare services during temporary stays abroad, without incurring substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
The EHIC does not replace travel insurance but complements it, covering essential medical treatment in case of unforeseen health issues.
Healthcare Services Covered by the EHIC
The EHIC entitles its holders to a range of necessary medical treatments and healthcare services, which can be broadly categorized as follows:
- Emergency Care: The card covers immediate medical assistance in emergencies, such as hospital visits after accidents or sudden illness.
- Ongoing Medical Needs: It provides access to necessary treatments for pre-existing conditions, ensuring individuals can continue receiving care while abroad.
- Maternity Care: Healthcare related to pregnancy and childbirth is also included, provided the stay is not solely for the purpose of giving birth.
The conditions for accessing services are as follows:
- Temporary Stay Requirement: The EHIC is valid during temporary stays, characterized as periods away from one’s habitual residence without moving the center of interest.
- Assessment of Necessity: The determination of what constitutes necessary care is made by healthcare providers in the host country, focusing on the medical needs of the individual.
- Coverage Variation: The extent of services available can differ by country, reflecting local healthcare systems and regulations; therefore, it is essential to check specific entitlements in the destination country.
To conclude, the EHIC is designed to facilitate access to necessary healthcare while traveling, enabling individuals to receive vital medical services without the financial burden that can come with unexpected health issues abroad.
Access to Public Healthcare in the EU for UK Citizens After Brexit
After Brexit, the landscape for UK citizens seeking healthcare services while traveling in the EU has changed, yet essential healthcare options remain accessible. Necessary public healthcare remains available through the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
This section explores the available healthcare provisions, how they compare to previous benefits under the EHIC, and the steps UK citizens can take to ensure they receive necessary medical care while abroad.
Transition from EHIC to GHIC
The EHIC, which previously allowed UK citizens to access state healthcare in EU countries, has been replaced by the GHIC. The main things to understand about the GHIC are:
- Eligibility: The GHIC is available to UK residents, allowing them to receive state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some additional countries.
- Coverage: The GHIC offers similar benefits to those provided by the EHIC, including access to medically necessary healthcare at the same cost as local residents, which may be free or subject to local charges.
| Feature | EHIC | GHIC |
| Eligibility | UK citizens and residents | UK citizens and residents |
| Coverage Duration | Valid until expiry | Valid for up to 5 years |
| Application | Free of charge | Free of charge |
Understanding Medically Necessary Healthcare
While the GHIC provides access to state healthcare, it’s essential to understand what constitutes “medically necessary” care. This includes:
- Emergency Treatments: Immediate care is needed due to accidents or sudden illnesses.
- Long-term Conditions: Ongoing treatments for existing health issues, such as diabetes or heart conditions, provided they cannot wait until returning to the UK.
- Routine Care: Services like maternity care, as long as the trip is not specifically for childbirth.
There are two key points on coverage that should be borne in mind:
- Pre-Arrangements: Some treatments, such as chemotherapy or dialysis, require pre-arrangement with local providers to ensure availability.
- Potential Costs: While many services may be free, there can be costs associated with treatments that local residents are charged for, so it’s advisable to check local healthcare regulations.
Applying for the GHIC
UK citizens can apply for a GHIC through the NHS website, and the steps are as follows:
- Eligibility Check: Confirm residency in the UK and that you do not have healthcare coverage from an EEA country or Switzerland.
- Application Process: Apply online by providing personal details, including your name, address, and National Insurance number.
To apply, complete the online application form on the NHS website. You can expect confirmation via email within 24 hours.
Healthcare in Specific Countries
While the GHIC is valid across the EEA, specific countries may have additional requirements or nuances in their healthcare systems. Here are a few examples:
- Montenegro: Offers free emergency care to UK citizens, but prescribed medications and other treatments may incur costs.
- Switzerland: UK citizens can access healthcare if they meet specific residency criteria.
In light of that, we suggest that you look into the most up-to-date local policies before traveling, checking each country’s healthcare services and potential costs through official government websites. You should also always have your GHIC with you, along with any necessary medical documentation.
Importance of Travel Insurance
While the GHIC provides essential healthcare coverage, it does not replace comprehensive travel insurance. UK citizens should bear in mind that there are important medical services and treatments not covered by the GHIC, such as medical evacuation or private healthcare.
In addition, GHIC only provides medical coverage, and it does not compensate for other possibilities including trip cancellations and lost property. Insurance covers a broader range of travel-related risks.
For much more comprehensive protection, you should purchase travel insurance, and ensure that it covers healthcare costs not addressed by the GHIC. Before and during your trip, you should check the UK government’s travel advice for updates on healthcare access and requirements in EU countries.
To ensure you get a good deal, engage an experienced and highly reputed insurance brokerage like Pacific Prime. On top of the advice and value-added services we offer, we’ll support you from plan selection to claims management and everything in between, all at no extra cost to you. So, contact us today!
Access to Public Healthcare in the UK for EU Citizens After Brexit
Following Brexit, the landscape of public healthcare access for EU citizens in the UK has evolved. Fortunately, many of the healthcare benefits previously available remain accessible under specific conditions.
EU citizens can still access essential medical services in the UK under specified conditions. By utilizing the EHIC or S2 form and securing appropriate insurance, visitors can ensure they receive necessary care without incurring excessive costs.
This section outlines the healthcare options for EU citizens visiting the UK and explains how they can still receive necessary medical services.
Overview of Healthcare Access for EU Citizens
While the UK’s departure from the EU has altered some aspects of healthcare entitlements, EU citizens can still access essential NHS services during their stay in the UK. These include:
- Emergency Services: Immediate treatment in Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments remains free for all visitors.
- General Practitioner (GP) Services: Visits to GPs for urgent medical needs are also free of charge, ensuring that those with immediate health concerns can receive care.
Using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
The EHIC continues to offer significant benefits for EU citizens traveling to the UK. Importantly, an EU citizen with a valid EHIC can access medically necessary treatment during their stay.
The EHIC will entitle EU citizens in the UK to treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, as well as routine maternity care provided the visit is not for childbirth specifically.
You should note, however, that the EHIC does not cover private healthcare costs, medical evacuation, or lost property. In cases where the EHIC is lost or stolen, EU citizens can obtain a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from their home country’s health authority.
Planned Treatment Options
For EU citizens seeking planned healthcare in the UK, specific arrangements must be made in advance.
EU citizens must obtain an S2 form from their home country’s relevant health authority before traveling. This form allows them to receive state-funded treatment in the UK without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
That being said, though the S2 covers most treatment costs, patients may still be responsible for certain costs, such as prescription charges. Provided they requested authorization before December 31, 2020, citizens from Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein can also seek planned treatment in the UK.
Insurance and Financial Responsibilities
Travel and health insurance remain crucial for EU citizens visiting the UK. In particular, it is highly advised that visitors take out comprehensive travel or health insurance. This ensures coverage for any healthcare costs incurred during their stay.
In cases where the EHIC and private insurance are not available, visitors may be charged 150% of the NHS rate for treatment received. The following table provides a summary of charges and coverage for EU citizens visiting the UK.
| Service Type | Coverage | Charges |
| Emergency Services | Free for all visitors | None |
| GP Visits | Free for urgent cases | None |
| Treatment with EHIC | Medically necessary care | None |
| Planned Treatment with S2 | State-funded (with form) | Possible patient contributions |
| Treatment without EHIC | May incur charges | 150% of NHS rate |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the European Health Insurance Card?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows EU citizens to access necessary healthcare in other EU countries on the same terms as local residents. It covers medical treatment that cannot wait until returning home.
How can UK citizens apply for a new UK GHIC after Brexit?
UK citizens can apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) online through the NHS website. This card replaces the EHIC and provides access to necessary healthcare in EU countries.
Can UK citizens still use their existing EHIC after Brexit?
UK citizens can continue using their existing EHIC until it expires. After expiry, they must apply for a UK GHIC to receive similar healthcare coverage while traveling in the EU.
What healthcare services does the EHIC cover for EU citizens in the UK?
EU citizens can use the EHIC to access necessary NHS services during their stay in the UK, including emergency care, treatment for pre-existing conditions, and maternity care provided the visit is not specifically for childbirth.
Are there any healthcare costs for EU citizens using EHIC in the UK?
While some NHS services are free, EU citizens may need to pay for certain treatments, especially if they would normally incur charges for local residents. Always check before using services.
How does the GHIC compare to the EHIC?
The UK GHIC provides similar healthcare coverage as the EHIC but is specifically for UK citizens and residents. It ensures access to necessary healthcare in the EU, reflecting changes post-Brexit.
Conclusion: Compare Plans and Quotes Now
At Pacific Prime, we offer a broad range of insurance plans, including international health insurance and medical evacuation (medevac) plans. We also have family health, maternity health, dental insurance, and travel insurance to choose from, along with a whole host of other plans.
For further details about our insurance plans or to get a free quote, contact one of our professional advisors today! We also invite you to use our online plan comparison tool.
Since joining Pacific Prime, Martin has become even more aware of the gap between the true value of insurance products and most people’s appreciation of it, and developed a passion for demystifying and simplifying matters, so that more people get the protection they need at a cost they can easily afford.
In his free time, Martin attends concerts of various genres, and plays the violin with piano accompaniment he pre-recorded himself or played live by his niece.
- Bali Visa on Arrival: Essential Guide for Travelers – October 17, 2025
- Cost of Living in Costa Rica: Expat Guide – October 15, 2025
- Top 11 Insurance Companies in Curaçao for Expats – October 8, 2025
