Worried about GHIC

Worriedandalone

Flying to France on Tuesday and suddenly remembered about GHIC cards and now having a panic. 

We are a party of 5. Four of us had GHIC cards issued in 2023 but can no longer find the card (but do have the confirmation email but that lacks the GHIC number itself). The remaining member has no GHIC at all but will apply today.
We all have insurance which doesn’t appear to specify that we need to have a GHIC. 

I’ve read that we can apply for a PRC if anything happens but will that apply to the member who doesn’t yet have one? The PRC system only seems to work officer hours so what happens outside of that?
Finally, is having the insurance in place the more important thing? Will that still cover us but we’d have to pay an excess?
Bit stressed over this now and angry at myself for not sorting sooner so please don’t attack me. 

Pollycat

GHIC is not mandatory.

Having travel insurance is more important than GHIC as it covers more than just health problems.
I've holidayed in Europe for many years and only once needed treatment (for a fall) that my GHIC covered, so I wouldn't panic too much.

I doubt that your friend will receive their GHIC before Tuesday.

Re PRC - you apply for it 'at the point of care'.
Depending on the age and general health of the 5 of you, I'd say the chances of needing a PRC is quite small.

Look into getting a replacement GHIC when you get home.
Mine stays with my passport in my home safe.

NoodleDoodleMan

We are all human, so don't feel too guilty.

GHIC is worth having, however travel insurance is essential IMO.

If you need to use the latter there will be an excess to pay, that is standard industry practice.

Do you have a record of your GHIC number and validity dates - that should (?) help if you require to visit a clinic or hospital - and always have your passport to hand.

I scan these "life support" documents and send to myself as an email attachment -  passport, debit and credit cards etc.in case of a drama.

I also have produced an idiots guide checklist for myself of all things to do before going on holiday !!!

TELLIT01

What is 'PRC'?  It's obviously something to do with medical treatment, but when I try a Google Search is comes up with People's Republic of China.  I'm assuming it doesn't mean you have to go to China for medical treatment.

On a more serious note, although the OPs travel insurance doesn't seem to mention GHIC, many insurers do expect GHIC to be used where possible, and will only reimburse cost which would not be covered.

Pollycat

TELLIT01 said:

What is 'PRC'?  It's obviously something to do with medical treatment, but when I try a Google Search is comes up with People's Republic of China.  I'm assuming it doesn't mean you have to go to China for medical treatment.

On a more serious note, although the OPs travel insurance doesn't seem to mention GHIC, many insurers do expect GHIC to be used where possible, and will only reimburse cost which would not be covered.

If you don't have your card with you

If you need emergency treatment when you're in another country and do not have your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). A PRC gives you the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.

A PRC also covers you if you've applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.

Find out more about PRCs and how to apply for one

Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC) - NHS

Worriedandalone

Thanks all for comments. We’ve fortunately managed to find the cards for the 4 people now so it’s only one person we are without. We’ve done the application this morning and already received the reference number and confirmation the application is successful so it’s only the physical card we are now without. Hopefully the number will be sufficient if anything happens but otherwise we will need to go the PRC route. At least she technically has one now.