GHIC/EHIC for UK Travellers in Portugal | Complete Guide

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) for UK Citizens Visiting Portugal

Complete and Updated Guide

If you are a UK citizen travelling to Portugal or to any other country in the European Union, it is important to know that you can still access medically necessary public healthcare during your stay. This is done through the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a still‑valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued before Brexit.

These cards work in Portugal in the same way the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/CESD) works for EU citizens.

✅ What is the GHIC/EHIC?

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) and the older EHIC identify the holder and give access to medically necessary public healthcare during a temporary stay in Portugal.

• If you still have a valid EHIC, you can continue using it.

• If your EHIC has expired, you should apply for a GHIC through the NHS.

Both cards allow you to receive treatment in Portugal under the same conditions as Portuguese residents.

✅ How do UK citizens obtain the card?

If you live in the UK, you do not apply for the Portuguese CESD. You must request:

✅ GHIC (new UK card) or ✅ EHIC (if still valid)

These are issued free of charge by the NHS.

You can apply online through the official NHS website.

✅ Where is the GHIC/EHIC valid?

Your card is accepted in all countries where the EU’s CESD is valid, including:

• Portugal

• All 27 EU Member States

• Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (EHIC only; GHIC may not be accepted)

• Switzerland (EHIC only; GHIC may not be accepted)

✅ When can you use the card?

You can use your GHIC/EHIC during temporary stays such as:

• Holidays in Portugal

• Business trips

• Study periods

• Short‑term work placements

• Family visits

📌 It does not cover planned medical travel. 📌 It cannot be used in private clinics without agreements with the public system.

✅ What healthcare is covered?

The card covers medically necessary treatment during your stay, including:

• GP consultations

• Emergency care

• Hospital treatment

• Medically required ongoing treatment

You will receive care under the same conditions and costs as Portuguese citizens.

If the service requires a co‑payment, you will pay the same amount as locals.

✅ Can you choose any doctor?

No. You can only use your GHIC/EHIC in:

✅ Public hospitals ✅ Public health centres ✅ Approved providers contracted with the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS)

Private clinics without agreements do not accept the card.

✅ Chronic illnesses and regular treatments

Your card also covers essential treatments for chronic conditions, such as:

• Dialysis

• Oxygen therapy

• Specialised treatments

• Treatments requiring continuous medical supervision

You must arrange the treatment in advance and confirm that the Portuguese provider accepts the GHIC/EHIC.

✅ Advantages for UK travellers

• Access to public healthcare in Portugal

• Avoids high medical costs in emergencies

• Identifies the NHS as the responsible authority

• Free to obtain

• Simplifies the process of receiving care abroad

✅ Who can use the GHIC/EHIC in Portugal?

• UK residents

• British students studying abroad

• Temporary workers

• Retired UK citizens visiting Portugal

• Dependants and family members

Each person must have their own card.

✅ What to do if you fall ill in Portugal?

Go to:

✅ Public hospitals ✅ Public health centres ✅ Contracted providers

You will be treated as any Portuguese resident.

✅ Do you have to pay for treatment?

You may need to pay:

• Standard co‑payments

• Local user fees

These are the same amounts paid by Portuguese citizens. If you pay more than this, you may request reimbursement from the NHS.

✅ What if you lose your card while travelling?

You can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from the NHS. It can be sent directly to the Portuguese healthcare provider by email or fax.

✅ What if you travel without a GHIC/EHIC?

You will still receive medically necessary treatment, but you may have to pay upfront and request reimbursement later. Travelling with the card avoids unnecessary costs and delays.