European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

We’ve received welcome news that the EHIC will not be scrapped as previously thought, but phased out and replaced with the GHIC.

Published: 07 January 2021 | 11:38 AM

Three of the familiar, blue plastic European Health Insurance Cards stacked against a pale blue background — Both cards entitle you to the same treatment as locals should you need to attend state-run hospitals or GP surgeries in the EU. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The move to phase out the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and replace it with a new, free, Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is good news for those concerned about costly health insurance when working in Europe.

Neither the EHIC card or the GHIC card are a replacement for travel insurance – but both mean that you are entitled to the same treatment as locals should you need to attend state-run hospitals or GP surgeries when visiting EU countries.

For those wishing to know more about how the GHIC card will function, we recommend reading Money Saving Expert’s detailed guide.

Members may want to review our flowchart guide for musicians working in Europe, which you can use to check you have the documentation need for any future gigging in Europe, and follow our links to useful resources.

See all news

A young musician singing into a microphone behind a protective screen.

MU and The Ivors Academy Respond to Record Label Heads Contributions to Government Streaming Inquiry

The MU and The Ivors Academy have today responded with incredulity to the testimonies of the UK heads of the three major labels during questioning by the Select Committee inquiry into the Economics of Streaming.

Black and white photograph from backstage at a festival. We can see a number of musicians playing on stage from behind, and a large outdoor audience facing inwards.

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

In welcome news, Minister for Culture Caroline Dineage confirmed that she is “looking into” possible insurance for music festivals, which would allow them to plan for summer 2021.

Photograph of the sun setting over the houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

We received vital coverage on the need for a Musicians' Passport in today’s parliamentary debate. Find out what happened, what our next actions will be, and how you can get involved.

Photograph of an accessible entrance sign attached to a brick wall outside a building.

Creating Your Own Access Rider

We recently held an event on “creating your own access rider,” in this article we set out the key learnings for the event – both from artists with personal experience of using access riders, and organisations who work on improving access.

Photograph of a woman out on the street, listening to music on her mobile phone.

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming

Middlesex University are exploring the experiences and expectations of performing musicians regarding live streaming music in the wake of Covid-19 with this short survey.

All latest news and features

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

Read more

MU and The Ivors Academy Respond to Record Label Heads Contributions to Government Streaming Inquiry

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

Creating Your Own Access Rider

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming

Find your Local MU Office Contact

Have your voice

European Health Insurance Card to be Replaced by Similar Scheme

Read more

MU and The Ivors Academy Respond to Record Label Heads Contributions to Government Streaming Inquiry

Government Insurance for Music Festivals a Possibility

Major role for MU in Urgent Parliamentary Debate on EU Touring

Creating Your Own Access Rider

Members Encouraged to Complete Survey on Live Streaming