GHIC vs EHIC in 2026: Are These Health Cards Still Valid for UK Travellers in Spain?

Since the UK’s departure from the EU, many British travellers and expats have wondered if the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) still provides medical coverage while visiting Spain. As of 2026, here’s what you need to know about the EHIC and its replacement, the GHIC – and why neither is enough on its own if you’re moving to Spain or applying for a visa.

Is the EHIC Still Valid in 2026?

If you still hold a valid EHIC issued before Brexit (prior to January 1, 2021), you can continue using it until the expiry date printed on the card. It remains valid for emergency and medically necessary healthcare in Spain and other EU countries. However, most UK travellers will now have a GHIC rather than an older EHIC, as fewer people still hold a valid pre‑Brexit card.

Once your EHIC expires, you cannot renew it unless you fall into specific categories, like being an EU national living in the UK or a UK pensioner living abroad with prior entitlement.

What Is the GHIC?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the EHIC for most UK citizens. It offers the same type of emergency and necessary healthcare access when travelling in the EU, including Spain. Like the EHIC, it does not replace travel insurance and does not cover private healthcare. A GHIC (or EHIC) is also not accepted as proof of medical cover for Spanish visas or residency – Spanish consulates and immigration offices typically require comprehensive private medical insurance, not a GHIC.

If you are planning to stay longer term or apply for a residency permit such as the non‑lucrative visa, you will usually need dedicated non lucrative visa health insurance rather than relying on a GHIC alone.

Who Can Still Get an EHIC?

Some UK residents are still eligible for a new UK‑issued EHIC (often referred to as the "new EHIC"), mainly those protected under the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement. This includes:

• EU nationals living in the UK before January 1, 2021
• UK students studying in the EU
• UK state pensioners living in the EU

If eligible, you can apply for the new EHIC through the NHS website. Most holidaymakers and short‑term visitors will not qualify for the new EHIC and should instead apply for a GHIC.

How to Apply for a GHIC

Applying is simple and free via the official NHS site. Beware of unofficial websites charging fees. A UK GHIC is free, is normally valid for up to five years, and you should apply well before you travel so it arrives in time for your trip.

Apply here: Apply for a GHIC via NHS website

What’s Covered in Spain?

The EHIC and GHIC cover medically necessary treatment in public healthcare facilities during temporary stays, such as holidays or short visits. You may still have to contribute to the cost of treatment, just as a Spanish resident would. They only apply in Spain’s state healthcare system, not in private clinics or hospitals, and they do not guarantee English‑speaking staff or fast access to non‑urgent treatment.

GHIC/EHIC vs Private Medical Insurance

A GHIC or EHIC can help with urgent or medically necessary treatment during a short visit, but they are not designed to give you the same level of protection as full private medical insurance in Spain. Private cover can give you access to private hospitals, shorter waiting times, a wider choice of specialists and a higher chance of English‑speaking doctors – all things that GHIC/EHIC do not guarantee.

For expats and long‑term residents, relying only on GHIC or EHIC would leave significant gaps. A good private policy can cover routine GP visits, ongoing treatment, diagnostic tests and planned operations in the private system, which are outside the scope of GHIC/EHIC. This is especially important if you are moving on a residency permit such as the non‑lucrative visa or digital nomad visa.

Are GHIC and EHIC Valid for Spanish Visas?

No. Neither GHIC nor EHIC is normally accepted as proof of medical cover for Spanish visas or long‑term residency. For most long‑stay permits – including the non‑lucrative visa, digital nomad visa and many retirement or family‑reunification routes – Spanish consulates usually require comprehensive private medical insurance that is equivalent to the Spanish public healthcare system.

In practice, this often means:

• A policy valid for the full duration of your initial visa or residency period
• No co‑payments or excesses (a “sin copago” or no‑copayment plan)
• Full coverage within Spain, including hospitalisation and specialist care

Specialist non lucrative visa health insurance and digital nomad visa health insurance policies are specifically designed to meet these consular requirements, whereas GHIC/EHIC are only intended for temporary visitors needing access to state care.

Do I Still Need Travel Insurance?

Yes. Even with a valid EHIC or GHIC, you should always take out travel insurance. These cards don’t cover private care, repatriation, or additional services like mountain rescue. If you’re moving to Spain or applying for a residency visa, you’ll also need full private medical insurance rather than relying only on travel insurance and a GHIC.

For long‑term stays or when applying for permits such as the non‑lucrative visa or digital nomad visa, many Spanish consulates specifically require comprehensive private cover that is equivalent to the Spanish public system, with no excesses or co‑payments – this is where specialist non lucrative visa health insurance and digital nomad visa health insurance policies are essential.

GHIC and EHIC in Spain: Quick FAQs

Can I use my GHIC instead of private medical insurance for a Spanish non‑lucrative visa?
No. GHIC is only for access to state emergency and medically necessary care during temporary stays. Non‑lucrative visas normally require full private medical insurance with no co‑payments.

Does GHIC cover routine GP appointments in Spain?
GHIC (and EHIC) are intended for medically necessary treatment during a stay, not for comprehensive primary care like a local health card or private policy. Access and costs can vary, and you may still need to pay some charges.

Do I still need GHIC if I already have private medical insurance in Spain?
It is still sensible to carry a GHIC for trips around the EU, as it can help with access to state care. However, your private medical insurance is what will cover treatment in Spain’s private system and what you will normally need for visa and residency applications.

Conclusion

If your EHIC is still in date, you can still use it in Spain for temporary visits. If not, apply for a GHIC to ensure you’re covered for emergency and medically necessary treatment in the Spanish state system during short trips. Always carry your card when travelling and pair it with a solid travel insurance policy – and remember that for anything beyond a short visit, you should not rely on a GHIC or EHIC alone.

Need Health Insurance for a Visa or Residency Application in Spain?

GHIC and EHIC only cover basic emergency care in the public system during short stays – they are not valid as proof of cover for most Spanish visas or long‑term residency. If you’re applying for a non‑lucrative visa, a digital nomad visa, a retirement visa or planning a longer move, you’ll usually need comprehensive private medical insurance with no co‑payments.

For compliant non lucrative visa health insurance, digital nomad visa health insurance, and other residency‑ready policies, take a look at plans from HealthPlanSpain. Their no‑copayment plans – available here: Sanitas no‑copayment health insurance – are specifically designed to meet the strict requirements of Spanish visa and residency applications and provide full private cover for expats.

Sources

• Apply for a GHIC via NHS website
• Official UK Government GHIC information