
If you are planning on visiting the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein after the 31st of October, you might be wondering if your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will still be valid…as it stands, it probably won’t be.
In the event of a no deal Brexit, which is looking to be a more likely outcome (as of 12th August), the EHIC will not be valid for UK travellers. So, if you are one of the many who solely rely on the card for medical care in the EU, which is ill-advised, you will have to make it a priority to obtain adequate insurance for your trip.
In the event of a Brexit deal, the EHIC will be valid until the transition period ends on 31 December 2020 as all EU law would continue to apply in the UK and citizens would have the same rights and guarantees as before. The government says it is "seeking agreements with countries on health care arrangements for UK nationals", but there is no such agreement in place with any of the countries yet.
So, what should you do if you are travelling after October 31st?
Whether there is a deal or no deal, you must be prepared for both outcomes.
- Start by finding a comprehensive travel insurance policy.
- Consider a policy which has nil excess. This will mean that you pay nothing upfront should you require medical attention.
- Take enough medication with you (especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions) to last a few days after your trip in case of flight delays or cancellations.
- If we leave with a deal, there is a chance that the EHIC will remain valid so order an EHIC as it lets you get state healthcare in other EU countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
After the UK leaves the European Union, you should think of travelling to the EU in the same way as travelling to the USA, Canada or Turkey, as you will have to pay for any medical treatment or medication and claim back on your insurance policy.
If you are looking to purchase a travel insurance policy for your next trip, contact our team on 01243 784000 or visit www.payingtoomuch.com.