GHIC card - backlog of over 30,000 applications

patrick1

Is anyone else having trouble getting a GHIC card? My EHIC expired a year or so back and I applied for a GHIC but am having no luck with the application. I've travelled once to the EU last month without a GHIC and am not sure if my travel insurance is valid without one. The NHS is saying to just travel and if you have to go to hospital you have to call the NHS for a temporary code for treatment. Not sure how this is going to work if I'm unconscious or the hospital refuse to treat me without a EHIC/GHIC.

I applied for a GHIC card in early August but they said I needed proof of residency (despite being a UK citizen, having lived in the UK over 20 years and having an EHIC card for 20 years). I emailed all the material they requested to them and still haven't heard back.

I then logged a complaint and was told to call NHSBSA on 0300 330 1350 or +44 191 218 1999.

I called them today and was told they had a backlog of over 30,000 applications and they weren't surprised I hadn't received a response.

They said to look at this web page: https://faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/knowledgebase/article/KA-01301/en-us

Which says to call "Overseas Healthcare Services" if you're travelling in the EU and are already being treated in a hospital - then they'll give you a special code "Provisional Replacement Certificate" or PRC.

It appears you won't be given a code unless you're already receiving hospital treatment.

If you're in hospital you can get the PRC from these people:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/contact-us/overseas-healthcare-services-contact-us

Telephone: 0191 218 1999
Telephone from outside UK: +44 191 218 1999 option 2
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Cool_McFinn

I applied for a GHIC a few days ago and got an email response almost immediately that my application had been successful. The email added the card will be posted to my home address but didn't give any indication of timescale. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't take too long as I'll be going abroad soon. Your post giving the PRC contact details was very reassuring.  Hopefully it won't be needed. 

jonathon

I applied on the 5/09 and received it on the 21/09

Cool_McFinn

Cool_McFinn said:

I applied for a GHIC a few days ago and got an email response almost immediately that my application had been successful. The email added the card will be posted to my home address but didn't give any indication of timescale. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't take too long as I'll be going abroad soon. Your post giving the PRC contact details was very reassuring.  Hopefully it won't be needed. 

An update on my previous post, my GHIC was delivered by Royal Mail 5 days after I'd submitted the application.

cheshirelabrador

patrick1 said:

Not sure how this is going to work if I'm unconscious or the hospital refuse to treat me without a EHIC/GHIC.

If you're unconscious then you can't show a GHIC either. If you're presuming a friend or family member would show it, then that same person could phone for a code instead. If you've got the code then you should be treated the same as someone who has a GHIC. The problem might be if you have an accident at 7pm (UK time) on a Friday.

CKhalvashi

I applied on 7/9, had an e-mail to say it's been successful almost immediately and know it's arrived, but not 100% sure when.

Alfrescodave

 "I've travelled once to the EU last month without a GHIC and am not sure if my travel insurance is valid without one. "

Travel insurance cover is NOT linked to having a GHIC card. 

martindow

Alfrescodave said:

 "I've travelled once to the EU last month without a GHIC and am not sure if my travel insurance is valid without one. "

Travel insurance cover is NOT linked to having a GHIC card. 

While this is true, if you need to make a claim some companies have a larger excess on the policy if you don't use an EHIC/ GHIC. 

Cool_McFinn

martindow said:

Alfrescodave said:

 "I've travelled once to the EU last month without a GHIC and am not sure if my travel insurance is valid without one. "

Travel insurance cover is NOT linked to having a GHIC card. 

While this is true, if you need to make a claim some companies have a larger excess on the policy if you don't use an EHIC/ GHIC. 

I rang today for a quote for travel insurance and specifically asked whether, in the event of requiring medical care, I needed to use the EHIC/GHIC prior to claiming on my insurance. The call handler said I didn't have to and that I should get in touch immediately with the insurers for approval to be seen privately without any impact on my excess. As others have said, other companies may be different so it was worth clarifying in advance.

Aprapucalolica

This is a farce. I have lived at the same address for 42 years. Applied today. Needed proof of ID. Sent it. Guess what? Their mail box is full. What a surprise. This is obviously a delaying tactic. I don't care how much of a backlog they have, the service is obviously not fit for purpose.? Contracted out. Paid for with taxpayers money .Same old same old.

Voyager2002

Alfrescodave said:

 "I've travelled once to the EU last month without a GHIC and am not sure if my travel insurance is valid without one. "

Travel insurance cover is NOT linked to having a GHIC card. 

Some insurers insist on it, and will only pay the amount that you WOULD have paid had you been using a GHIC.