Do i need holiday insurance with ghic?

Why holiday insurance is essential alongside a GHIC

The GHIC is an excellent tool for UK residents visiting the EU, providing the right to state-provided healthcare on the same terms as a local citizen. However, it is not a replacement for travel insurance. Many travellers mistakenly believe the card covers all medical scenarios, but in many European countries, patients are expected to pay a percentage of their treatment costs, known as co-payments. Without a separate insurance policy, you would have to pay these out-of-pocket expenses yourself. Furthermore, the GHIC only applies to the EU and Switzerland, offering no protection in other popular destinations like Turkey or Egypt.

• GHIC does not cover private medical treatment or clinics.
• It provides no protection for trip cancellations or curtailment.
• Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage is not covered by the card.
• Personal liability if you accidentally injure someone is excluded.
• State-provided care may not meet the standards you expect in the UK.

What the GHIC actually covers

The GHIC replaced the old EHIC for most UK citizens following Brexit. It covers medically necessary state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. This includes emergency treatment and visits to A&E, treatment for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions if they require monitoring, and routine maternity care, provided you did not travel specifically to give birth. It is important to check that the clinic or hospital you are visiting accepts the GHIC, as many facilities in tourist areas are private and will refuse the card entirely.

The high cost of medical repatriation

One of the most significant risks of travelling without insurance is the cost of medical repatriation. If you are seriously injured or fall ill and need to be flown back to the UK with medical supervision, the GHIC will not pay for this service. An air ambulance from a Mediterranean resort to a UK hospital can cost between £15,000 and £30,000. Comprehensive travel insurance policies include repatriation as a standard feature, ensuring that you can get home safely without facing a life-changing debt.

• Air ambulance costs from Europe: £15,000 - £30,000.
• Cost of a medical escort on a scheduled flight: £5,000+.
• Additional accommodation for family members if you are hospitalised.
• Stretcher fees on commercial airlines.
• Transfer from the UK airport to a local NHS hospital.

Typical costs and pricing factors

The cost of travel insurance for Europe is generally affordable compared to the potential risks. For a healthy traveller in their 30s, a week-long policy for an EU destination can often be found for less than the price of a airport meal. Prices are influenced by your age, the duration of your trip, and any pre-existing medical conditions you declare. In 2026, UK travellers can expect to see slightly higher premiums due to global healthcare inflation, but the market remains competitive for those who shop around and provide accurate information during the application process.

Declaring pre-existing medical conditions

When applying for insurance to supplement your GHIC, you must be entirely honest about your medical history. Failure to declare a condition like asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure can void your entire policy, even for unrelated claims. While the GHIC will cover emergency treatment for these conditions, your insurance company will not pay for associated costs like missed flights or extra accommodation if you haven't declared them. Specialist insurers exist for those with complex needs, ensuring that everyone can find the right level of protection for their specific health profile.

Making a claim and gathering evidence

If you need to use your insurance alongside your GHIC, record-keeping is vital. Most insurers will waive or reduce your excess if you use your GHIC to lower the cost of your medical treatment. You should always contact your insurer's 24-hour emergency assistance line as soon as possible when an incident occurs. They can provide advice on which hospitals to use and can often settle bills directly with the healthcare provider, saving you from having to pay large sums upfront and claiming them back later.

• Keep all receipts for prescriptions and medical supplies.
• Obtain a written medical report from the treating doctor.
• Save all boarding passes and travel documents as proof of travel.
• Request a police report within 24 hours for any stolen items.
• Keep a record of all phone calls made to the insurance assistance line.

Regulatory context and FCDO advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) consistently advises all UK travellers to take out appropriate travel insurance, even when travelling to countries where the GHIC is valid. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates travel insurance providers in the UK, ensuring that policies are sold fairly and that customers have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) if a dispute arises. Always check the FCDO travel advice for your destination before you depart, as travelling against government advice can invalidate your insurance policy.

Practical checklist for your European trip

Before you head to the airport, ensure you have both your GHIC and your insurance documents ready. A GHIC is free to obtain via the official NHS website; avoid third-party sites that charge a fee for the application. Check the expiry date on your card, as they typically last for five years. Having both forms of protection ensures that you have the widest possible safety net, covering everything from a minor GP visit for an ear infection to a major emergency requiring a flight home.