In an increasingly interconnected world, it has become more common for people to travel and work in different countries. However, one challenge that arises when traveling or residing abroad is accessing healthcare services. This is where the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) comes into play. In this blog, we explore what GHIC and its benefits, and how it simplifies healthcare abroad.
What is GHIC?
GHIC stands for Global Health Insurance Card. It is a healthcare card issued to citizens of certain countries that entitles them to receive necessary healthcare services at reduced cost or sometimes even for free when traveling or residing in countries within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.
The GHIC card replaces the previous EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) in countries that are still part of the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The GHIC card ensures that individuals have access to the same healthcare services they would receive if they were a citizen of the country they are visiting or residing in.
Benefits of GHIC
One of the major benefits of the GHIC is that it provides peace of mind to individuals who are either traveling or residing in a foreign country. It ensures that if they require medical attention, they will not have to worry about potentially high medical bills or being denied necessary healthcare services.
Another benefit is that the GHIC allows individuals to access healthcare services on the same terms as the citizens of the country they are visiting or residing in. This means that they can receive treatment from doctors, hospitals, and clinics at reduced cost or even for free, just like the local population.
The GHIC also covers individuals for the treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and routine maternity care. This is particularly important for those who require regular medical assistance or expectant mothers who want to ensure a smooth and safe pregnancy.
How to Obtain a GHIC
Obtaining a GHIC card is a relatively simple process. Citizens of eligible countries can apply for the card online through their country’s official healthcare website. The application process usually involves filling out an online form and providing some personal details and information about the individual’s health insurance coverage. Once the application is processed and approved, the GHIC card will be sent to the individual’s registered address.
It is important to note that the GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. It is advisable to have both GHIC and travel insurance, as they serve different purposes. While GHIC covers necessary healthcare services within the specified countries, travel insurance provides additional coverage for things such as trip cancellation, lost baggage, and emergency medical evacuation.
Simplifying Healthcare Abroad
The GHIC plays a crucial role in simplifying healthcare abroad. It ensures that individuals have access to essential healthcare services in foreign countries without the worry of incurring high medical costs. This is especially important for individuals who may need medical attention during their travels or while residing abroad.
By providing individuals with the same healthcare entitlements as citizens of the country they are visiting or residing in, the GHIC eliminates the barriers that often exist when accessing healthcare services in foreign countries. It promotes equality and ensures that everyone has the right to receive necessary medical treatment, regardless of their nationality or country of origin.
Furthermore, the GHIC removes the need for individuals to navigate complicated healthcare systems in foreign countries. With the GHIC card, individuals can simply present it to healthcare providers, who can then process the necessary paperwork and provide the required medical care. This simplifies the process and ensures that individuals can access healthcare services quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
The GHIC is a valuable tool for individuals traveling or residing in foreign countries. It provides peace of mind, ensures access to necessary healthcare services, and simplifies the process of receiving medical care abroad. By applying for a GHIC card, individuals can travel or reside with the assurance that they will be taken care of if they require medical attention. So, if you’re planning to travel or reside in an EU, EEA, or Swiss country, don’t forget to apply for your GHIC card and enjoy the benefits it offers.