GHIC (ex EHIC) Card. It's Never Too Late.

[simonhill]

A quick reminder to everyone about to go to Europe to check your card is still valid..

If it's not, don't despair. If you apply now you'll receive an email that says how you can travel before you receive your card. Basically there's a link to a form you can use in case of emergency.

So no excuse not to get it, even if you're leaving tomorrow (or in my case, leaving an hour after I discovered my card had expired).

Also don't forget most travel insurance insists on you having and using your GHIC in the first instance and won't pay up if you solely rely on the insurance

[glucas]

Thanks for this Simon.

I've just checked mine and it expired in 2019. I've applied for a new one and it says I will receive it within 15 days.

Might be a bit late as I'm going to Poland on Friday!

[JJF]

Mine arrived in 8 days early in June.

[Psamathe]

I got one recently and whilst I can't remember how many days I was surprised at how quickly it arrived.

Ian

[aflook]

And it’s so important to have one. After an accident a few weeks ago the ambulance and the hospital in Germany wanted to see it straight away and it also made things a lot smoother with the insurance company. I’m not sure but I think they would have made me pay an excess on the claim if I hadn’t shown it.

[brianleach]

And it’s so important to have one. After an accident a few weeks ago the ambulance and the hospital in Germany wanted to see it straight away

I've no experience of the GHIC but it's predecessor worked for me in Spain in 2010. I was taken away on a stretcher and although no one asked to see the card I am guessing they must have checked it at sometime as I was never asked to pay anything.

I did wonder if I might be presented with a bill the next time I arrived in Spain but that never happened.

I had no medical insurance as of course I was invincible (!!!) but since my heart issues I wouldn't risk it now.

[geocycle]

We just got ours after about two weeks wait. Really embarrassing Boris-like unfurled Union Jack all of it!