I've got my GHIC

I must confess that I haven't been keeping up with anything to do with travel outside the UK, but just in case others don't know about this, for anyone planning to visit countries in the EU, EHIC's (European Health Insurance Card) are still valid until the expiry date, and if yours has expired you can now replace it with the new UK Global Health Insurance Card which, despite its name, is valid for Europe - only the EU countries.

We got ours via gov.uk, which has all the relevant info as well, like what's covered, still require travel insurance, etc

All I need now is somewhere to go!!!

[Paulbounce]

Your right Marj.

You might still to to pay 'upfront' and then claim back. I suggest keeping your debt card handy just in case.

Be careful as well which places you visit - some Eastern Europe countries are worse than a prison in the UK - and no I've never been to prison. However I know people who have been in hospital in Bulgaria and without private insurance it sounds a complete nightmare. It's nothing like the UK.

Tread carefully where you go - if not make sure you have full insurance. As a fellow traveler would I chance it now - maybe. I love my travel but might think twice right now.

Saying that you only live once (Mr Bond). Be careful though and make sure you are fully covered. Believe me depending on where you travel to can be a ball changer. I wouldn't want to be in Romania (used to fly there often before covid) and the afib to really kick in - they don't look after their own let alone a Brit.

Paul

[Hidden in reply to Paulbounce]

You’re right, thanks Paul, it’s just a back up to the insurance, but I think it’s good to have that back up . I’ve normally stuck to Western Europe and the only time I’ve ever ended up in hospital was in England, so I have no experience of other countries health services

And I’ll be one of the last people to stop social distancing, wearing a mask, using my elbows to open doors etc 🤣

[Desanthony]

Thanks for letting us know. Will look into that as our cards expired in the last two years.

[KMRobbo]

Mine took 5 weeks to arrive (ordered last July) ?!How long did yours? I mention it as if you only order it when you book your holidays, it may not arrive in time

[Hidden in reply to KMRobbo]

Ours have taken less than a week. It depends on demand and staff availability I suppose

[Maggimunro]

HiYes I ordered mine last year and it arrived in a couple of weeks. Be careful not to get hooked onto the sites that charge you £20 or so to get your card, since you get them directly on the government website.

We went to France last year and the health service there is excellent but for anything other than a hospital admission, you have to pay up front , get the receipts , and claim back later. It can take 5-6 months for the money to come back to you and the last time I claimed it was a 75% refund.

We use the Nationwide Flexiplus travel insurance scheme and so far they have been excellent.

Be sure to tell your provider how long you are away for, since you may have to pay a little extra if it is a prolonged stay away.

Bon voyage

[Hidden in reply to Maggimunro]

Thanks for the info. We use Nationwide as well. Fortunately we’ve never had to have medical treatment abroad, and I hope I never have any experience!

[Auriculaire in reply to Maggimunro]

That is probably because only the state funded part of medical treatment is reimbursed. The other 25% would be covered by your Mutuelle here.

[Hidden]

That's really useful to know Marjoram27, so thank you. But after further reading, I'd urge caution in relying on it too much. GovUK itself recommends still taking out private insurance as the card's usefulness is limited.