Can I Travel Without European Health Insurance Card?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You can get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to prove your entitlement to medically necessary healthcare if you travel to Europe without your existing EHIC, UK GHIC or new UK EHIC and need treatment during your visit.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Europe?

If you are a UK citizen, travel insurance for Europe is an essential part of your trip, but

it is not required by law

. In other words, even though you are highly encouraged to get a plan whenever travelling abroad, you will be allowed to visit the rest of Europe even without it – at your own risk.

Do UK citizens still need an EHIC card?

Since 1 January 2021, the deal negotiated by the UK government allows those issued with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before the end of 2020 to continue to use it before its expiry date. If you're travelling to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, your EHIC is no longer valid.

Do I need travel insurance for Germany?

You are a third-country national, who need a short-stay visa to Germany, and

Travel Insurance is mandatory for a Schengen Visa application

. You do not need a visa to the Schengen Area, but you need to present travel insurance at the Schengen port of entry.

Will the European health card still be valid?

As part of the deal announced on 24 December 2020,

the UK and the EU agreed that the cards can still be used until their expiry dates

. After that, the government will issue a new Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which will replace the EHIC for the majority of UK citizens.

Do UK citizens get free healthcare in Europe?


A GHIC lets you get medically necessary state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free

. If your EHIC is still in date, you do not need to apply for a new GHIC . They're both valid if you're travelling to an EU country or, if you're eligible, in Switzerland.

Is the European health card still valid after Brexit?

Is my EHIC still valid after Brexit?

Yes, you can still use a UK-issued EHIC after Brexit

. So if you already have an EHIC and you're going on a temporary visit to an EU country – perhaps for a holiday, to study or for work – you can use it to access state healthcare until it expires.

Can you fly without travel insurance?

Is travel insurance a legal requirement?

No, you're not legally required to have travel insurance

. Some tour operators will insist you have a policy in place before they confirm your travel, especially to countries like the USA where there's no public health service.

Can you get travel insurance during Covid?


Multitrip.com travel insurance policies provide cover for emergency medical and other expenses incurred abroad if you catch Covid-19 subject to the policy terms, limits, conditions and exclusions

.

Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?

Travel insurance that covers cancellation for COVID-19

usually covers you to cancel if you or a travelling companion get COVID-19

. A ‘travelling companion' may be defined as someone who is travelling at least 50% of the trip with you.

Is Germany's healthcare free?


Healthcare in Germany is funded by statutory contributions, ensuring free healthcare for all

. In addition, you can also take out private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV) to replace or top up state cover (gesetzliche Krankenkasse or GKV).

How can a foreigner get health insurance in Germany?

Health insurance for foreign visitors to Germany

To be eligible for state healthcare,

you'll need to get an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) before you arrive

. Residents planning to stay longer than a year or those working in Germany should arrange either German health insurance or join a private insurer.

Is healthcare free in Germany for non citizens?

Yes,

all German citizens and legal residents are required by law to have health insurance

. Everyone, regardless of their income, has healthcare coverage and access to affordable medical care.

Do EU citizens need travel insurance for UK?

If you are visiting the UK from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you should:

have travel or health insurance that covers the duration of your trip

. bring your European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) if you are eligible to continue using it in the UK.

How long does EHIC card last?

An EHIC card is valid for

five years

. UK nationals can continue to use their EHIC until it expires – the expiry date should be at the bottom of the card.

What is the difference between EHIC and GHIC?

What's the difference between an EHIC and GHIC?

The EHIC covers the 27 countries in the EU, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. However, the GHIC just covers the 27 EU countries

. If you still have a valid EHIC, since 1 January 2021 it has stopped covering Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.

Can UK citizens live in Europe after Brexit?

The Withdrawal Agreement guarantees British citizens (who are lawfully resident in EU member states) broadly the same rights as they have now.

They can continue to live, work and travel (although these rights would cease after a leave of absence of more than five years)

.

Can EU citizens use NHS after Brexit?

If you are a citizen of an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, and were living lawfully in the UK on or before 31 December 2020, you will be able to use the NHS in England.

What countries accept EHIC card?

In What Countries Can I Use the EHIC? If you are an EU citizen, you can use the European Health Insurance Card in

all countries of the European Union, as well as in Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway

.

Can I use my EHIC card in Spain after Brexit?


UK state pensioners who have moved to Spain before the end of 2020 will be able to use the EHIC beyond 2020, after Brexit fully comes into effect

. However, if you are included in thi category, you must apply for a new EHIC as your current one won't be valid.

Can I get a GHIC card from the post office?

Ghic.

It is free to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic)

. It replaces the Ehic and entitles you to free and discounted state medical care in the European Union.

How long does it take to get your GHIC card?

Your new GHIC card should usually arrive

within 10 days from the point of application

. However, you are advised to apply at least two weeks before you plan to travel to ensure your card arrives on time.

What happens if I dont have travel insurance?

If you don't have travel insurance

you will have to pay out of your own pocket to deal with a problem while you're away

. Or you may lose money if you have to cancel a trip and can't get your money back. This could cost you thousands of pounds.

What are the disadvantages of travel insurance?

  • It Can Be Expensive. One major drawback of buying travel insurance is the cost. …
  • Might Not Provide Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases. …
  • Travel Insurance Claim May Get Rejected. …
  • Comes with Certain Loopholes.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.