Global Health Insurance Card

[HighlandPaddy]

Had to see a doctor whilst in France recently to get antibiotics. Presented my GHIC but was still charged €50 for appointment and a further €18 for prescription. I thought having the GHIC meant we were able to receive medical treatment free (as per UK) whilst in the EU or have I misunderstood it? If it’s not free then what’s the point of having it?

Just wondering that’s all, I’m not planning to claim the fee back from NHS.

Was it a govt dr/hospital? There’s an awful lot of little private dr offices in France/mainland Europe. I’ve frequently had to pay.

I am interested in the answer btw, Dd is currently in a govt hospital in Spain and I have no idea if there’s going to be a bill at the end of this. She has her ghic card, and insurance but I’m nervous about an insurance claim.

I thought it gave you the same costs as the resident of that country, not the same benefits as the holder's home country.

I'm guessing the coats that you paid are what a French resident would pay?

A GHIC gives you access to necessary healthcare at public/state facilities in EU countries at the same price as citizens of that country.

I think it’s standard for the French to pay for some healthcare, even if it’s not private, and claim it back.

(Or what @Anonymousemouses said!)

Yes - treatment is not free at point of contact in many countries - you generally pay and claim back from your mutuelle / health insurance. If i see my GP in Belgium it costs about 45 euros - plus any prescription charges and I can claim about 75% back.

Your travel insurance should refund you.

Link explaining what PPs said. www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Thanks for comments, it was a doctors clinic not a hospital. Just walked in and waited 20 minutes to be seen by a doctor. The doctor suggested I claim back on my travel insurance but my excess would cost more so not going down that path. I was just glad to get the antibiotic so whilst I’ve written off the €50 I was just curious as I the UK Government website isn’t very clear.

As far as I know it entitles you to the treatment that locals get ie access to public health facilities. You pay the same as a local pays

You get same terms as a local resident, so if they pay a fee for consultation and prescription so would you. You could claim on travel insurance if the excess makes it worthwhile.