Quick Answer
The GHIC (and the old EHIC it replaced) only works in EU member states. The United States has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. Any UK national visiting the US without private travel insurance is personally liable for all medical costs — which routinely reach $5,000–$200,000+ for emergencies.
What Is the GHIC?
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is a UK government card that gives British nationals access to medically necessary healthcare at the same rate as local residents in EU countries. It replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit, with a slightly narrower scope (no longer covers Switzerland and some EEA countries the EHIC used to cover).
The GHIC covers emergency and medically necessary treatment in the 27 EU member states. It is not insurance — it is a reduced-cost access card based on reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and EU governments.
The USA has no such agreement with the UK. There is no GHIC or NHS equivalent in the United States. US healthcare is entirely private, and foreign visitors are billed at full market rates — which are among the highest in the world.
GHIC vs EHIC: What's the Difference?
| Card | Still Valid? | Where It Works | Works in USA? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHIC (old card) | Until expiry date | EU + some EEA countries | No |
| GHIC (new card) | Yes | EU countries only | No |
Neither card has ever covered the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, or any non-EU country. This was true under the EHIC, and it remains true under the GHIC.
What Happens Without Insurance in the US?
US hospitals are legally required to stabilize patients in emergency situations (under the EMTALA act). But once you're stabilized, the bill arrives — and there are no national health rate caps, no NHS equivalent, no GHIC protections.
Typical Uninsured US Medical Costs
These are not worst-case scenarios — they are routine. UK nationals visiting the US without insurance face potentially life-altering financial consequences from a single medical event.
What UK Visitors to the USA Actually Need
UK visitors need a travel medical insurance policy specifically designed for the US healthcare environment. This should cover:
- Emergency medical treatment — hospital, surgery, ICU, ER
- Emergency medical evacuation — often the largest single cost; medically supervised transport back to the UK
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions — covers sudden flare-ups of known conditions
- 24/7 multilingual assistance — critical when navigating a foreign healthcare system
- Repatriation of remains — in the worst case
These three plans are specifically designed for visitors to the US:
IMG Patriot America Plus
Best all-around for UK visitors
Up to $1,000,000 coverage · Available to UK residents · Acute onset pre-existing conditions · 24/7 US-based assistance
Trawick Safe Travels USA Comprehensive
Best with trip cancellation
Up to $150,000 medical · Trip cancellation included · Baggage coverage · COVID-19 covered as standard illness
WorldTrips Atlas America
Highest coverage limits
Up to $2,000,000 coverage · $1,000,000 evacuation · Flexible deductibles $0–$2,500 · Available to UK nationals
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the GHIC card cover me in the USA?
No. The GHIC only works in EU member states. The United States has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. UK visitors to the US must have private travel medical insurance.
Does the EHIC card cover me in the USA?
No. The EHIC (the predecessor to the GHIC) was also limited to EU and some EEA countries. The USA was never covered. Your old EHIC card is useless in the United States.
Where does the GHIC actually work?
The GHIC works in all 27 EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. It does not cover the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, or any non-EU country.
What travel insurance do UK nationals need for the USA?
UK visitors to the US need a private travel medical insurance policy covering emergency treatment, medical evacuation, and acute onset of pre-existing conditions. Plans from IMG, Trawick International, and WorldTrips are available to UK residents and are specifically designed for the US healthcare environment.
How much does travel insurance cost for UK visitors to the USA?
For a healthy UK adult under 60, travel insurance for a US trip typically costs $35–$80/month with $100,000 coverage and a $250 deductible. A 2-week trip for a 45-year-old costs approximately $20–$35 total. Costs rise for seniors and for longer trips.
Related Guides
Get Covered for Your US Trip
Compare plans from IMG, Trawick, and WorldTrips — designed for visitors to the USA. Takes 2 minutes.
Compare Plans →