When travelling abroad, it’s important to make sure you have adequate medical cover in case of illness or injury. Two options for medical cover are a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and travel insurance. Here’s how they compare:
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
A GHIC is a document that entitles you to medical treatment when travelling in the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. It is the successor to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and provides the same level of cover when travelling in the EU.
A GHIC is free of charge, and covers treatment that is necessary for medical reasons during your visit. It does not cover private medical treatment or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a policy that covers you for a range of risks when travelling abroad. This can include medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and personal liability.
Travel insurance can be purchased for a single trip or for multiple trips over a period of time. The cost of travel insurance will depend on a number of factors, including your age, destination, and the level of cover you require.
GHIC vs. Travel Insurance
GHIC and travel insurance both offer medical cover when travelling abroad, but there are some important differences to consider:
Covered Countries: A GHIC is only valid in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein. Travel insurance can cover you for a wider range of countries.
Medical Treatment: A GHIC only covers treatment that is necessary for medical reasons during your visit. Travel insurance can cover you for a wider range of medical expenses, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Additional Coverage: Travel insurance can also cover you for other risks when travelling abroad, such as trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen baggage, and personal liability. A GHIC does not provide this additional coverage.
Pre-Existing Conditions: A GHIC does not cover pre-existing conditions. Travel insurance may offer cover for pre-existing conditions, depending on the policy.
Cost: A GHIC is free of charge. Travel insurance can vary in cost depending on the level of cover required.
It’s important to note that a GHIC and travel insurance are not mutually exclusive. You can have both a GHIC and travel insurance to ensure you have adequate medical cover when travelling abroad.
When deciding whether to rely on a GHIC or purchase travel insurance, it’s important to consider your destination, the level of cover you require, and any pre-existing conditions you may have. You should also check the terms and conditions of any policy carefully to ensure you understand what is covered and what is not.
Ultimately, having adequate medical cover when travelling abroad is essential for your peace of mind and wellbeing. Whether you choose a GHIC, travel insurance, or both, make sure you have the right level of cover for your needs.
