The number of UK holidaymakers applying for the Government's Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has seen a decline for the second year running, sparking fears that travellers could be exposing themselves to significant financial risk if they require medical treatment overseas.
The new research, conducted by Compare the Market, is based on an analysis of data obtained through a Freedom of Information request to the National Health Service (NHS). The findings reveal that 4.6 million GHIC cards were issued in 2024, marking an 18% decrease from 2023 and a 23% drop from the 2022 peak of over 6.1 million.
GHICs, which took over from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) post-Brexit, provide access to necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries, on the same terms as a resident of that country. This could be free, or it might involve a payment equivalent to what a local resident would pay.
Compare the Market's research indicates that the NHS has shelled out more than £300 million on medical treatment abroad for UK citizens with EHICs or GHICs between 2021 and 2024, with 17.6 million people applying for GHICs during those years. However, the most recent ONS data reveals that UK residents made 86.2 million trips abroad in 2023 alone, suggesting millions of people are travelling without a GHIC.
While the GHIC does provide assistance with necessary medical care, Compare the Market has issued a warning to holidaymakers not to assume it offers the same level of medical protection as travel insurance. For instance, it may not cover costs incurred for treatment as some countries might charge for services that are free under the NHS.
It also doesn't cover private treatment, rescue operations such as mountain rescues, or repatriation costs if you need to be flown back to the UK. However, having a GHIC when travelling is crucial. Some insurers won't cover medical claims unless you have one.
Anna McEntee, a travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, expressed her concern: "The drop in applications for GHICs is concerning as holidaymakers could face substantial hospital bills if they need medical care while they're away. After a peak in applications in 2022, possibly due to post-COVID travel surge, applications have been declining each year.
"Having a GHIC can be incredibly useful if you need medical care while on holiday. However, GHICs don't cover all medical costs such as mountain rescues, private medical treatment, or getting home after a medical emergency. Without insurance, you could still be left facing a significant bill."
To avoid hefty medical bills when travelling, Compare the Market has urged UK holidaymakers to:
This research is based on a Freedom of Information request sent to The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) in February 2025.
