The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets UK residents get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, including the Canary Islands, on the same basis as Spanish residents. It does not cover private treatment, repatriation or planned treatment, so you still need travel insurance.
What the GHIC covers
- Emergency treatment and A&E at public hospitals.
- Necessary treatment for illness or injury that cannot wait until you return home.
- Treatment of pre-existing or chronic conditions that becomes necessary during your stay.
- Routine maternity care during a temporary stay.
What it does not cover
| Not covered | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Private clinics and hospitals | Use travel insurance, and check the clinic is public before showing your GHIC |
| Repatriation to the UK | Travel insurance |
| Planned treatment | Arrange separately |
| Some prescription co-payments | Pay locally as residents do |
Public or private?
Many clinics in tourist areas are private. They may ask for your insurance rather than your GHIC. If you want to use your GHIC, go to a public health centre (centro de salud) or public hospital, part of the Servicio Canario de la Salud.
How to get one
Apply for free on the official NHS website. Beware of sites that charge a fee.
Emergencies
Call 112 for emergencies anywhere in the Canary Islands.
Our verdict
Carry your GHIC and long-stay travel insurance. See Travel Insurance for a 3-6 Month Winter Stay in Spain.
Official sources
Rules change. Before you book or apply, check the current position with the official source: