The number of UK holidaymakers applying for the Government’s Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has dropped for the second consecutive year, prompting concern that travellers may be putting themselves at serious financial risk if they need medical care abroad.

The new research from Compare the Market is based on its analysis of figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request to the National Health Service (NHS). It reveals that 4.6 million GHIC cards were issued in 2024, down 18% from 2023 and 23% from the 2022 peak of over 6.1 million.

GHICs, which replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit, offer access to necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free, or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

Compare the Market’s research shows the NHS has spent 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 in those years.



However, the latest ONS data shows that UK residents made 86.2 million visits abroad in 2023 alone, suggesting millions of people are travelling without a GHIC.

Anna McEntee, travel insurance expert at Compare the Market, said: “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 a post-COVID travel surge, applications have been declining each year.

Compare the Market Analysis of NHS Data

Year	GHIC Cards Issued	NHS spending on medical treatment abroad for UK citizens with EHICs or GHICs
2021	1.2 million	£94.6 million
2022	6.1 million	£42.6 million
2023	5.7 million	£97 million
2024	4.6 million	£77.3 million
Total	17.6 million	£311.4 million

* NHS spending on medical treatment abroad for UK citizens with EHICs or GHICs

While the GHIC provides help with necessary medical care, Compare the Market warns that holidaymakers shouldn’t presume it offers the same medical protection as travel insurance.

For example, it won’t necessarily cover costs you might incur for treatment as some countries may charge for services that are free under the NHS.

It also won’t cover private treatment, evacuations such as mountain rescues, or repatriation costs if you need to be flown back to the UK.

However, it’s important to have a GHIC when you go away. Some insurers won’t cover medical claims unless you do.

“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,” added Anna McEntee.

To avoid costly medical bills when travelling, Compare the Market urges UK holidaymakers to:
Check if their EHIC or GHIC is still valid before travelling
Apply for a GHIC for free via the official NHS website. Here: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/
Take out travel insurance that includes medical cover, repatriation and trip cancellations