EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) AND THE LEAVE VOTE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

What will happen to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union?


As many UK Residents travel to the continent, have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - which allows for medical treatment in the host country, this has always been a card that UK Residents take with them on their trip.

People are treated as if they are a Resident in the country they are visiting and provide either reduced or free medical assistance.

However, as the United Kingdom has now decided to leave the European Union, the use of this card has come under doubt and will be part of the leave negotiations.

There are countries, such as Norway and Iceland who are EEA members but not EU members, they accept the European Heath Insurance Card, so the United Kingdom may adopt this model.

The European Health Insurance Card is not a substitute for Travel Insurance. If you are purchasing a Single Trip policy or an Annual Multi Trip policy, having a European Health Insurance Card is beneficial as this reduces the Medical costs if a claim was made, whilst you are away.

The Department of Health has stated that the benefits of having an European Health Insurance Card, for those who work, visit or retire to other European countries, is one of the issues that will need to be discussed and resolved during the exit negotiations.

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