A simple oversight could leave holidaymakers facing huge medical bills.
Travellers without a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) could miss out on state-provided medical treatment in Europe at the local cost, Go Compare has warned.
The card, which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit, allows you to receive state-provided medical treatment in Europe and some other nations either for free or at the local cost.
Go Compare’s travel insurance spokesperson, Rhys Jones, said: “Many travellers are still unaware of what the GHIC card is or mistakenly believe that travel insurance alone is enough.
“While travel insurance is essential, the GHIC can provide valuable access to state healthcare across many European destinations and could help reduce out-of-pocket medical costs if you become ill or injured abroad.
“Applying for a GHIC is free and relatively straightforward, but it’s important to do it before you travel.”
A recent survey of 2,000 UK adults found 42 per cent did not have a GHIC card, with nine per cent admitting they did not know what it was.
Sixteen per cent wrongly believed travel insurance made the card unnecessary, while more than one in four didn’t realise they’d need to apply in advance.
Mr Jones emphasised that the GHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance.
It does not cover private healthcare, repatriation to the UK, or costs related to travel disruption.
He advised travellers to carry both a valid GHIC and comprehensive travel insurance for full protection.
The GHIC is free to obtain through the official NHS website and remains valid for up to five years.
It covers emergency treatments, care for pre-existing conditions, routine maternity care, and medical attention for unexpected illnesses or injuries during your stay.
However, it does not cover all countries.
The GHIC is valid in all EU member states as well as Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and a handful of other territories, including Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man, Corsica, Martinique, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, Reunion, French Guiana, and Saint-Martin.
Holidays can take an unexpected turn, and without the right preparation, a medical emergency abroad could become even more stressful and costly.
