Free GHIC discussion

Rich2808

mortirolo said:

on 3 occasions, in 3 different countries there was utter confusion when I showed medical staff my EHIC, they didn't seem to understand the card, even after explaining and I speak fluent French,  they couldn't understand the card or what is was, they just kept showing me their own Medical card, then I showed my passports and the wanted a Drivers License for proof of address everything was fine. So from 3 experiences in 3 different countries for myself and my families experience EHIC was useless. Also my wife speaks Portuguese and we had the issues at the hospital, EHIC not understood. The reason I think, is a lot of countries in the EU do not have a EHIC card they have their own countries medical card.............it would be such a hassle for someone or a family that had experiences like me especially when you don't speak the local language and in an emergency.   

Interesting story.
Of course EU citizenship has nothing to do with eligibility for reciprocal health care via EHIC - it depends on residency.
If you don't live in an EEA area country - or the UK - you aren't part of the scheme. Irish citizens permanently resident in the US or Australia will have an Irish passport but they shouldn't be getting free emergency care in Portugal as they don't live in an EEA member state or the UK so need to claim on travel insurance!
Only in Ireland or Gibraltar should showing a UK passport get you free healthcare - anywhere else in Europe requires an EHIC/GHIC card. And hospitals should know that before offering care - as they may not get reimbursed for the costs!
 

[Deleted User]

I've got one, it's crap. The old EHIC covered more countries. Another brexit bonus I could do without.

Rich2808

[DELETED USER] said:

I've got one, it's crap. The old EHIC covered more countries. Another brexit bonus I could do without.

Do you regularly go on holiday to Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland then? 
I expect compared to those who visit EU nations - Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal etc - you are probably unusual. For those 27 countries its unchanged from EHIC - so certainly not 'crap'.
And there are plans to negotiate a separate reciprocal healthcare agreements with the 3 EFTA nations and the Swiss - in the meantime you can simply show your passport in Norway to get free emergency EHIC/GHIC treatment. Almost certainly in place before you will actually be able to visit those 4 countries on a holiday.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/consumer-rights/a35598655/brexit-holiday-travel-europe-uk/
But if of course you are planning a holiday to Liechtenstein in the next few weeks - which would of course be illegal before 17 May - enjoy!!

jjeff2022

Travelling Abroad with Twins soon? Allow extra time for GHIC cards.

Sharing for info!

I've just ordered new GHIC cards for our family and only one twin's card arrived - I phoned and they said there is a glitch with the system that doesn't recognise twins so I had to give their details over the phone. Now another 7-10 days to wait for the new card so allow lots of time if you are going away soon!

goldygash

Applied for GHIC yesterday, but received email saying they couldn’t verify me and are now asking me to send proof of Residency in UK. Pretty sure I didn’t have to do this with the old EHIC

hayleyw1

goldygash said:

Applied for GHIC yesterday, but received email saying they couldn’t verify me and are now asking me to send proof of Residency in UK. Pretty sure I didn’t have to do this with the old EHIC

im having the same problem, i have sent numerous evidence with my name and address and my British passport stating I AM a British citizen, and they still want more evidence!.??

Did you get yours sorted ?

DysT

I have EHIC card applied before 29th June 2021 and expires 2024, but doctor and address has changed.

Found out cannot update details. Phoned to-day NHS Overseas Healthcare Services [NHSBSA], first said card still valid and after checking said latest advice is to apply for new GEHIC card.

Is this really true?

TELLIT01

Why not apply for the GHIC anyway?  It's free.

DysT

Yes will do; I just wanted to if anyone had claimed successfully this year on an EHIC card applied for before June 2021.

TELLIT01

I only realised just before we travelled that my old EHIC cards had expired.  I'd checked them before the original holiday date, but that had been moved several times due to Covid.  I digress - I ordered GHIC on line and was told they would take approximately 2 weeks to come through.  However the email also gave a phone number to call in the event of needing medical help abroad before the cards arrived.  Thankfully I didn't have to check that it worked.