A UK Global Health Insurance Card, the GHIC, and the older EHIC, give you access to state provided healthcare in many countries at the same rate as locals. They are valuable, but they are not a substitute for travel insurance.
What the card does
The card covers necessary state healthcare, such as treatment in a public hospital, during a temporary stay. It does not cover private care, mountain rescue, or being flown home, and it may not apply in every destination. Our guide to pre existing medical conditions is relevant if you have a condition to declare.
Why you still need insurance
Travel insurance pays for medical repatriation, cancellation, and care the card does not. A medical emergency abroad can cost tens of thousands of pounds to manage without it. Our guide to reading your policy shows where medical limits sit, and our guide to complaining explains what to do if a claim is rejected.
Before you travel
Carry both the card and your insurance details, and check which destinations your card covers. Apply for a GHIC free from the official scheme before you go.