• 13.7 millon (26 per cent) Brits mistakenly believe they musy pay for a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) - to replace the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
• With unofficial websites charging £29 on average, Brits could risk losing £451 million collectively if they are misled into paying when applying for a GHIC
• More than 8.5 million people paid for an EHIC when they last applied – collectively wasting £245 million

New research¹ from Direct Line Travel Insurance reveals that 13.7 million people believe they have to pay for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – the new replacement for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - despite it being free. With unofficial websites charging around £29 per application, this could mean Brits risk losing up to £451 million collectively if they are misled into paying when applying.

Around a third of Brits (17.5 million people) have an EHIC that is still in date, while a fifth (19 per cent) are not sure when their EHIC expires. With so many unofficial websites out there, many of these people could be at risk of being misled due to a lack of understanding that a GHIC is free.

Additional research by the insurer found that it takes less than 10 seconds to find an unofficial website when searching for ‘GHIC application’ on a search engine² – with five links on the first results page directing you to websites that charge to manage the application process. One website had even paid the search engine’s advertising rates to come at the top of the search.

The most common ‘benefit’ these unofficial websites are using to encourage unwitting people to use their ‘service’ is that they will either fast-track or manage the application process for ease. However, the time it takes for the application is sometimes longer than the stated time for the real NHS website. It is important to know that If you are planning to travel, when the Government restrictions are lifted and travel is allowed, GHIC applications are completely free and can be applied for using the NHS website.

These misleading websites have been around since the inception of the EHIC card, which was also free of charge. In fact, more than 8.5 million people said they paid for their EHIC when they last applied – in monetary terms, this represents an estimated unnecessary £245 million.  Interestingly, it would seem that men were more likely to believe they needed to pay for their EHIC, with 5.5 million men (32 per cent) vs 2.9 million women (17 per cent) paying for the service.

People aged between 18 and 34 are most likely to think they need to pay for a GHIC, with 50 per cent of people in this age group – the equivalent of 7.4 million – believing that you need to pay. This decreases to 4.7 million 35 to 54-year-olds (27 per cent) and 1.6 million 55+ year-olds (eight per cent).

Tom Bishop, Head of Direct Line Travel Insurance said: “Our research shows that there are a number of websites out there set up to make a quick profit from unsuspecting Brits who are unaware that applying for a GHIC is free. Many of these websites are set up with the aim of fooling potential travellers, with some going as far as paying advertising rates to get their website to the top of search engines. It is vitally important that people know that the application process is free and there is only one website you can apply for them on without being charged. The NHS website.”

While a large proportion of people rightly know that the EHIC/GHIC covers you for emergency healthcare from state services (43 per cent), 27 per cent wrongly believe they will get the exact same care they receive from the NHS in the UK. This is a misconception and travellers need to be aware that the care they are provided will be the same as that of a resident in the destination country; if the resident has to pay for health care, they will also have to pay.

Some of those asked even thought that the EHIC/GHIC would cover them for private health care (six per cent or 2.9 million people), elective procedures like tonsillectomy, eye surgery and hernia repair (four per cent or 2.1 million) and cosmetic procedures including dental surgery, liposuctions and facelifts (three per cent or 1.8 million).

Table 1: Items people think they would be covered for with a GHIC.

Source: Direct Line Travel Insurance 2021

It is vital to still purchase travel insurance even with an EHIC or GHIC. The research found that many have not done so, with 15.5 million people (29 per cent) having travelled to Europe without insurance cover in the past, and 2.7 million stating they never buy insurance when they travel. With the average medical insurance claim³ standing at almost £1,500, it is imperative that travellers protect their health and finances in case the worst does happen.

Bishop added: “While a large number of people know what they will be covered for with the GHIC, a significant amount do not. The GHIC covers you for the same level of state healthcare offered to residents of the country, not the same level of healthcare you would receive in the UK. It’s therefore vital to take out travel insurance in case you need more than the GHIC or EHIC provides, plus it provides plenty of non-healthcare related cover too. Reciprocal healthcare is a brilliant thing to have, but make sure it is accompanied by comprehensive travel insurance when we can all go away again.”

For more information on Direct Line Travel Insurance visit www.directline.com/travel-insurance

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

¹        Research commissioned with Opinium between 29t^h January and 1^st February 2021 among 2,005 UK adults.

²        Desk research conducted using google search terms ‘GHIC application’ to find websites which were charging to manage the GHIC application process.

³        Analysis of Direct Line Group travel claims made in 2019 (in normal travelling conditions) for medical costs whilst travelling abroad.

For further information please contact:

Simon Henrick 
Head of News and Issues, Direct Line  
Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 831 668
Email: [email protected]

Samantha Stewart

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

[email protected]

0207 025 6497

 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/car-cover