Holidaymakers are able to access free or discounted medical care in EU countries thanks to a free health insurance card. The Global Health Insurance Card, also known as the GHIC, enables British travellers access to healthcare in an emergency.
The GHIC replaces the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which is being phased out ever since the UK left the European Union. If you still have an EHIC, be sure to check its expiry date before you travel and apply for a new one if you need to.
Applications are expected to be completed with new cards sent in the post within 10 to 20 days, however, many people have experienced delays. Some have reported waiting nearly two months for their card to arrive.