Global Health Insurance Card
Global Health Insurance Card (UK)
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU). It replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for most people in the UK.
Most British citizens are no longer eligible for a new UK-issued EHIC, but existing EHICs can continue to be used until they expire. Once expired, eligible individuals should apply for a GHIC.
Irish citizens born in the UK, including people in Northern Ireland who identify as Irish citizens, will not usually be eligible for a new UK-issued EHIC. If resident in the UK, they should generally apply for a GHIC instead.
UK-issued EHICs may still be available to certain people covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. This generally includes people who moved to, worked in, or studied in the UK before 1 January 2021. Examples include:
- UK State Pensioners or people receiving certain exportable benefits who have been living in the Republic of Ireland since before 1 January 2021
- Frontier workers (for example, living south and working north) who have held that status since before 1 January 2021, for as long as they continue to be frontier workers
- Eligible family members or dependents 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 medically necessary treatment during temporary stays in EU countries, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland.
A temporary stay is generally considered to be less than three months, although students studying abroad may be covered for up to a full academic year.
The EHIC replaced the old E111 form. Each family member requires their own card. The EHIC is free of charge.
Further information >> HSE
Further information >> NHS
Frontier Workers
Living north, working south – People living in Northern Ireland and working in the Republic of Ireland are generally not entitled to a GHIC, as they are insured through Ireland (for example, by paying PRSI contributions). They should contact the HSE to apply for an Irish EHIC.
Living south, working north – In certain circumstances, people living in the Republic of Ireland and working in Northern Ireland may be entitled to a GHIC or a UK-issued EHIC despite living in an EU country.
Frontier workers who worked in Northern Ireland before 1 January 2021 should be entitled to a UK-issued EHIC.
Frontier workers who started working in Northern Ireland on or after 1 January 2021 are also likely to fall into this category. However, it remains unclear whether the UK would issue an EHIC or a GHIC in these circumstances. This information will be updated as soon as further guidance is available.
Page last checked: May 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.
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