Don't forget your GHIC ahead of this summer's getaway

Pre-flight checks from the Sutton Winson Team

Summer’s just around the corner now, and we can’t wait! Mind you, summer here in the UK can be a bit hit and miss, can’t it? This is probably why so many of us choose to jet off on our jollies to somewhere that can safely offer us all the sun, sea and sandy beaches we’ve spent the colder months getting so excited about. But before you start packing your suitcases, we just wanted to pass on some helpful information about the recently introduced GHIC and Travel Insurance, so have a read of the below and make sure you’re ready to go!

Let’s start with the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), introduced in 2021 to replace the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It enables access to emergency healthcare services while traveling within the EU (and in some cases Switzerland). If you're visiting Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, though, you’ll need to ensure you have travel insurance with medical expenses as you can't use your GHIC in these countries.

If your EHIC card is still valid, then it’s a perfect companion for this summer’s European travels, and you can continue to enjoy the peace of mind it provides until it expires. When this day comes, you’ll need to apply for a new one, which you can do up to nine months before.

If you're a first-time traveller or need a replacement card, you can easily apply for the GHIC online, and it's entirely free, so be wary of unofficial websites that may charge you a fee to apply.

It’s an unwelcome thought, but if you do find yourself in need of treatment abroad and have forgotten your GHIC, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from the time you need treatment.

Don’t forget about Travel Insurance

It’s important to remember that the EHIC or GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance. It may not cover all health costs, never covers repatriation costs and isn’t valid in certain countries or on cruises, so we'd still recommend that you don’t leave home without a travel insurance policy in place that suits your needs.

We’ll be happy to assist you here, having recently partnered with the award-winning Just Travel Cover. They work with a panel of insurers to allow you to choose your preferred provider, as well as excess and level of cover, putting you firmly in the cockpit! With other benefits including no upper age limit, cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions and real time payout protection for lost luggage¹, you can travel with confidence.

To find out more or get a quote, speak to one of their friendly experts by phone on 0800 542 7167.

We wish you all the best for this summer’s holidays, wherever in the world you’re off to! If you have any questions about the GHIC, Travel Insurance or anything else, then please get in touch with us on 0800 980 2701 and we’ll be happy to assist.

Safe Travels!

1 The real time payout policy of £500 if your luggage is deemed lost. Included on Gold policies and can be added from just £3 to Silver and Bronze. After purchase you must activate your Smart Luggage account and register flights for this policy to be in place.