Global Health Insurance Card
Global Health Insurance Card (UK)
The Global Health Insurance Card replaces the EHIC in the UK and provides access to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).
British citizens are typically not entitled to a new UK EHIC card, but they can continue to use their current card until it expires. Once expired the British citizen will apply for a Global Health Insurance Card.
Irish citizens who were born in the UK, including people of Northern Ireland who are Irish citizens, will not usually be eligible for a new UK-issued EHIC. As a UK resident they should apply for a GHIC.
Please note that UK issued EHIC will still be available to EU citizens who are within the scope of the Withdrawal Agreement (which usually means a person who moved to, worked in or studied in the UK by 31 Dec 2020). E.g.
- a UK State Pensioner or a person receiving some other exportable benefits and has been living in the Republic of Ireland since before 1 January 2021
- a frontier worker (e.g. living south, working north) who has been one since before 1 January 2021, for as long as they continue to be a frontier worker
- an eligible family member or dependant of one of the above
European Health Insurance Card (Ireland/EU)
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provides access to free or reduced cost public healthcare for necessary treatment while on temporary stays in any of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries or Switzerland.
A short-term stay is generally accepted as less than 3 months and students who are studying abroad may be covered for up to a full academic year.
The EHIC replaces the old E111 form. You need one for each member of your family. It’s free and there’s no charge to apply.
Further information >> HSE
Further information >> NHS
Frontier Workers
Living north, working south – are not entitled to a GHIC as they are insured by an EU country (paying PRSI in Ireland). They should contact the HSE and request an Irish EHIC.
Living south, working north – in certain circumstances citizens may be entitled to a GHIC or UK-issued EHIC despite living in an EU country. Frontier workers who worked in the NI before 1 January 2021 should be entitled to a UK EHIC. Frontier workers who started their job in NI on or after 1 January 2021 are also likely to fall into this category but we are currently unsure if an EHIC or a GHIC would be issued by the UK. This information will be updated ASAP.
Page last checked: March 2023
This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.
If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
