WHAT YOUR GHIC CARD COVERS YOU FOR IN SPAIN

WHAT YOUR GHIC CARD COVERS YOU FOR IN SPAIN

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. A valid UK-issued EHIC still works in the EU until it expires.

⚠️ Free to apply: Only use the official NHS service. Avoid unofficial/paid sites. 

👉 Apply for your free GHIC card here

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Who Can Apply for a GHIC Card

• UK residents: Eligibility is based on residency, not nationality or NI/tax history.

• Families: Each member (including children) needs their own GHIC. Parents apply for under-16s.

• Students in the EU: Apply by post with a letter from your university (course, dates, addresses).

• Non-British/Non-Irish nationals: Apply by post with a copy of your visa or residence permit.

• Dual UK/EU nationals: May qualify for a new UK-issued EHIC if you became British by naturalisation but kept your EU nationality.

• Irish citizens / Irish residents:

  • If UK resident → apply for GHIC.

  • Some in Ireland before 1 Jan 2021 may qualify for a UK-issued EHIC.

  • Apply by phone: 📞 +44 (0)191 218 1999.

Postal address for special cases:
Overseas Healthcare Services, NHS Business Services Authority,
Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SN

How to Apply for a UK GHIC

You can apply for a UK GHIC card if you’re a resident in the UK. When you apply, you can also add your family members to the same application.

To complete your application, you’ll need to provide:

• Your full name

• Your address

• Your date of birth

• Your National Insurance number

• Your Health and Care number (if you’re from Northern Ireland)

Most people can apply online, and cards usually arrive within 15 working days.

👉 Apply for your GHIC card now

Where GHIC Works (and Where It Doesn’t)

• ✅ Works in EU countries (state services only).

• ❌ Doesn’t work in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland – unless you qualify for a new UK-issued EHIC under the Withdrawal Agreement.

• If you were already in one of those countries before 1st Jan 2021, old EHIC rights continued until you left.

• In Norway, you can also use a UK passport for necessary care.

What Your GHIC Covers You for in Spain

With a GHIC (or EHIC), you can get “necessary healthcare” that can’t reasonably wait until you return to the UK.

Covered:

• Emergency care & A&E

• Monitoring for pre-existing or chronic conditions

• Routine maternity care (not if travelling to give birth)

• Oxygen therapy and dialysis (must be pre-arranged)

• Treatment if you fall ill on a ship/plane once you arrive in Spain

Not covered:

• Private hospitals or clinics

• Mountain rescue

• Medical repatriation

👉 Always use state hospitals or Centros de Salud, and bring your GHIC/EHIC and passport.

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Prescriptions & Medicines in Spain

• UK prescriptions may not be valid – see a Spanish GP.

• With a GHIC/EHIC, you’ll pay:

  • 50% of prescription costs (most people)

  • 10% if you’re a UK State Pensioner (proof required)

• Charges are not refundable.

Bringing medicines:

• Carry a doctor’s letter for controlled drugs.

• You may need a licence for trips over 3 months or supplies over 3 months.

• Check with your nearest Spanish consulate before travel.

• Read more about travelling with controlled medicines.

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Pre-Arranging Care in Spain

• Oxygen therapy: Request from the local Spanish health authority at least 1 month before travel.

• Find out how to request oxygen therapy in Spain. This guide includes:

  • a letter template in Spanish that you can download and complete
  • a list of contact details for Spanish health authorities

• Dialysis: Arrange via your UK dialysis coordinator – availability in Spain must be confirmed.

Resources: The UK Kidney Association (UKKA), National Kidney Federation.

Paying & Refunds

• In some regions, you may need to pay upfront.

• Keep all receipts/paperwork – refunds are only possible for the state-covered portion, not your patient co-payment.

• Contact: Overseas Healthcare Services 📞 0191 218 1999 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm).

If You Need Medical Help in Benidorm

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN BENIDORM

• Go to your nearest Centro de Salud with GHIC/EHIC, passport, and insurance docs.

• Ambulances may refuse transport without paperwork.

• With GHIC/EHIC only → you’ll be taken to General Hospital (Villajoyosa).

• With full travel insurance → you may be treated at Levante Hospital or private clinics.

Emergency Numbers in Spain 

The Spanish word for A&E department is "urgencias". Other important phone numbers to note down:

• 112 – All emergencies (nationwide)

• 061 – Ambulance

• 091 – National Police

• 092 – Local Police

• 062 – Civil Guard

• 080 – Fire brigade

• 900 202 202 – Sea rescue

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Final Travel Checklist

• ✅ GHIC card (or EHIC if still valid)

• ✅ Travel insurance with medical + repatriation cover

• ✅ Copies of ID, insurance, and GHIC/EHIC in your phone/cloud

• ✅ Written confirmation of pre-arranged care (if needed)

• ✅ Medication documents and licences (if required)

FAQs About the GHIC Card in Spain

1. Is the GHIC card free?
Yes — always free. Apply only through the official NHS website.

2. Can I use my GHIC card in private hospitals in Spain?
No. GHIC only covers state-provided healthcare. Private treatment is excluded.

3. Does the GHIC cover dental treatment in Spain?
Only if it’s considered medically necessary and provided by the state system. Routine dental work is not covered.

4. I’m pregnant – will the GHIC cover me in Spain?
Yes, for routine maternity care if you’re already pregnant. It won’t cover travel specifically to give birth abroad.

5. What if I lose my GHIC while abroad?
Call +44 (0)191 218 1999 to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) so you can still access care.

6. Will I always get free treatment with a GHIC?
Not always. Some services require a patient co-payment (like prescriptions). You’ll pay the same rate as locals, and that share isn’t refundable.

💬 Have you used your GHIC card or experienced the Spanish healthcare system?
Share your experiences and tips with other travellers in the comments section below — your story could really help someone else prepare.