What UK Residents Must Know

EU Travel Health Insurance After Brexit: What UK Residents Must Know

Since 1 January 2021, the UK’s departure from the European Union has fundamentally changed how British residents access healthcare when travelling in the EU. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has been replaced by the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), but this is not a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance. UK residents must now purchase a dedicated travel health insurance policy that covers medical repatriation, pre-existing conditions, and emergency treatment, because the GHIC only provides access to state-provided healthcare on the same terms as a local resident — and that coverage can be limited or require co-payments.

What the GHIC Does and Does Not Cover

The GHIC entitles you to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as a resident of that country. This includes treatment for sudden illness or accidents, but it does not cover private healthcare, mountain rescue, or repatriation to the UK. As of June 2026, the UK government advises that the GHIC should be used as a safety net, not a standalone policy.

Key limitations you must know

No repatriation cover: If you suffer a heart attack or a serious injury, the GHIC will not pay to bring you back to the UK for treatment or recovery. Repatriation can cost tens of thousands of pounds.
No private treatment: Many EU hospitals have private wings, and you may be directed there without consent, leaving you with a large bill.
Pre-existing conditions: The GHIC does not cover ongoing treatment for conditions like type 1 diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. You must arrange your own care and insurance for these.
Co-payments and deductibles: Some EU countries, such as France and Spain, charge a daily hospital fee or a percentage of costs that the GHIC does not waive.

The Rising Health Risks That Make Insurance Essential

Recent public health data, as of late June 2026, underscores why travel health insurance is not optional. On 26 June 2026, experts warned that even young and fit individuals should skip runs and avoid excessive alcohol during the current European heatwave, as cardiac arrests have increased significantly among all age groups, not just the elderly. The BBC reported that hospitals across Europe are seeing a surge in heat-related emergencies. If you collapse from heatstroke or a cardiac event in a foreign country, the GHIC will cover emergency state treatment, but you will still need insurance for ambulance transfer, repatriation, and any private follow-up care.

Separately, a study published on 24 June 2026 found that obesity cases are rising fastest among young adults, driven by the cost-of-living crisis, the pandemic, and a boom in unhealthy food. Obesity significantly increases the risk of complications from common travel illnesses like respiratory infections and deep-vein thrombosis. If you are a UK resident with a BMI over 30 travelling to the EU, a standard GHIC will not cover the higher level of medical intervention you may need.

How to Choose the Right Policy

Not all travel insurance policies are equal. You must read the small print for three critical areas.

Medical repatriation cover

Ensure your policy includes at least £5 million of emergency medical and repatriation cover for Europe. Many standard policies offer £2 million, which may be insufficient if you need an air ambulance. As of June 2026, the average cost of a medical repatriation from Spain to the UK is approximately £15,000 to £25,000.

Pre-existing condition declarations

If you have a condition such as type 1 diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, you must declare it. On 22 June 2026, the NHS announced the first drug to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes, an immunotherapy that can give children and adults three extra years before needing insulin. However, if you are travelling and require insulin or monitoring, your insurance policy must explicitly cover this. Failure to declare a pre-existing condition can void your entire policy.

Activity and heatwave cover

Given the current European heatwave, check that your policy covers heat-related illnesses. Many policies exclude claims if you were exercising in extreme heat or drinking alcohol. The Foreign Office travel advice now explicitly warns against strenuous outdoor activity during heatwaves. If you plan to run, hike, or cycle, you may need a specialist activity policy.

Practical Steps Before You Travel

To ensure you are fully protected, take these steps before your trip.

Apply for a GHIC: It is free on the NHS website. Do not use third-party sites that charge fees. As of June 2026, processing takes up to two weeks.
Buy insurance at the same time as your booking: This protects you if you need to cancel due to illness. Since the pandemic, cancellation cover has become standard, but check the terms.
Carry your GHIC and insurance documents: Keep digital copies on your phone and a paper copy in your luggage. Write the emergency number for your insurer in your phone contacts.
Know the local emergency number: In all EU countries, dial 112 for emergency services. This works from any phone, even without credit.

What About Non-EU Countries?

The GHIC only covers EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. It does not cover travel to countries like the United States, Canada, or Australia. For these destinations, you must rely entirely on private travel insurance. The same principles apply: check for repatriation cover, pre-existing condition declarations, and activity exclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my old EHIC card?

If your EHIC card is still valid (check the expiry date), it remains valid for travel in the EU. However, the UK government recommends applying for a GHIC once it expires. The GHIC provides the same level of state healthcare access as the old EHIC, but it does not cover Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein those are only covered by the old EHIC if it was issued before 2021.

What if I have a heart attack while on holiday in Spain?

You will be treated in a state hospital under the GHIC. However, if you need to be airlifted to a specialist unit or repatriated to the UK, the GHIC will not cover these costs. Your travel insurance must cover emergency repatriation. Without it, you could face a bill of £20,000 or more. The recent heatwave warnings from 26 June 2026 make this risk particularly acute for all age groups.

Do I need insurance if I have a GHIC and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from another EU country?

If you hold dual nationality or residency rights in an EU country, you may be entitled to a local EHIC. However, UK residents who are not EU citizens or residents should always carry a GHIC and a comprehensive travel insurance policy. The GHIC alone does not cover private treatment or repatriation, and relying on a local EHIC may not apply if you are a UK resident visiting a different EU country.

Will my UK private health insurance cover me abroad?

Most UK private health insurance policies do not cover overseas travel. You must check your policy documents or call your insurer. Some policies offer add-ons for international cover, but these are rare. Always buy a separate travel insurance policy for EU trips, even if you have private health insurance in the UK.