Accessing Healthcare While Abroad: A Guide for UK Citizens Traveling to the Schengen Area

For UK citizens planning to travel abroad, particularly to the Schengen Area, ensuring access to medical services is critical. Most British travelers rely on their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for healthcare coverage during trips. If either of these cards is misplaced or left behind, a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) serves as a dependable backup, making it easier to access necessary medical services during emergencies.

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) allows UK residents to receive healthcare within the European Economic Area (EEA) as if they were local residents. It also provides access to healthcare in locations such as Montenegro, Australia, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, St. Helena, Tristan da Cunha, and Ascension Island. British nationals, Swiss citizens residing in the UK, EU citizens, refugees, and certain family members can use the GHIC in Switzerland as well. The GHIC covers essential healthcare services available at public hospitals, including emergency treatments for accidents, medical consultations, prescriptions, maternity care (not childbirth), and treatments for chronic conditions like diabetes.

UK residents can apply for the GHIC by providing essential details, such as name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. Northern Ireland residents are additionally required to provide a health and care number. A GHIC is valid for up to five years, with renewal available nine months before the card’s expiration. Applications are typically processed within 24 hours, and cards arrive by post within 15 working days.

The EHIC provides similar access to state healthcare services in the EEA and Switzerland. However, since Brexit, UK residents are no longer eligible to apply for a new EHIC. Those with a valid EHIC may continue using it, but once it expires, they must switch to a GHIC.

If a traveler doesn’t have their GHIC or EHIC on hand, the Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) is an effective substitute that can be obtained abroad. The PRC can cover individuals who either don’t have a GHIC/EHIC with them or are awaiting a new GHIC. “If you do not have your GHIC with you during your trip to the EU, do not worry; a PRC will work just fine. Plus, it is easy to obtain and covers all the services that a GHIC offers. It is just a click or a phone call away,” says Dion Pllana, Global Travel Trends Analyst. While PRC applications cannot be made in advance, travelers can apply for it online or by phone through the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. During the application process, information such as the applicant’s email address, National Insurance number, OHS reference number (if applicable), name of the medical facility where treatment is received, and facility’s email is typically required.

Even with the healthcare coverage provided by GHIC, EHIC, and PRC, travel insurance remains an important supplement, as these healthcare cards do not cover non-medical expenses, such as lost luggage or delayed flights. For UK travelers in the EU, travel insurance offers an additional layer of security, covering unforeseen costs and logistical issues beyond medical care alone.

By fLEXI tEAM