Changing the name on your GHIC or UK EHIC

How do I change the name on my GHIC?#

By email, with a copy of your evidence. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and the UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are dealt with by the Overseas Healthcare Services team at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). Its help article on changing your details says that, for any change of name other than a small spelling or typing error, you send a copy of your deed poll and a valid passport, or of your marriage certificate, or of your final order or decree absolute. It goes by email, or through NHSBSA's social media accounts, with your Overseas Healthcare Services (OHS) reference number and the details below. NHSBSA mentions no fee.

Which document to send#

NHSBSA's list for a change of name has three entries; send a copy of one of them:

• your deed poll and a valid passport, together;
• your marriage certificate;
• your final order or decree absolute.

A deed poll is not on the list by itself: NHSBSA pairs it with a valid passport, and does not say which name the passport has to show. A civil partnership certificate is not on the name list either, although NHSBSA's list for changing a date of birth includes one; if that is your evidence, say so in your email and ask what NHSBSA needs.

Where to send it#

• For a UK GHIC: nhsbsa.ghicapplicationsohs@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
• For a UK EHIC: nhsbsa.ehicapplicationsohs@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

NHSBSA also accepts the documents through its Facebook and X accounts, which are linked from its contact page for Overseas Healthcare Services.

What to put in the email#

NHSBSA says the email must include:

• your OHS reference number;
• your full name and date of birth;
• your full address, including the postcode;
• your telephone number and email address;
• the details that need to change, and the correct details.

Attach the copy of your document, as a scan or photograph clear enough to read every name, date and signature.

If your name is only spelt wrong#

NHSBSA treats a mistake differently from a change. If your name or date of birth is wrong "due to a minor spelling or typing error", it says to contact it, through the contact page or social media, and that "We can correct this without any evidence."

Before you travel#

NHSBSA's article gives no timescale for a change of name, and does not say whether a new card is posted or whether the card in your former name can be used in the meantime. For a new or replacement card, NHSBSA says it can take up to 15 working days to arrive. Send your change well before a trip.

If you need medically necessary treatment abroad and do not have your card, NHSBSA says you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) online or through its helpdesk. It gives the same cover as the card until it expires, and you can only apply once the need for treatment arises, not in advance.

Your passport and your booking matter too: travelling on a passport in your old name explains how to keep the names on your ticket and passport in step.

Partners and children on your card#

NHSBSA lets you add a partner who lives with you, and children under 18 who live with you, as dependants on your application. Its article on changing details sets out no separate process for a dependant's change of name, so when you email, say whose card the change is for and send that person's evidence.