What You Need to Know About the UK European Health Insurance Card After Brexit
As the UK departs from the EU, many changes are taking place. One of these changes relates to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC has been a lifeline for many Britons traveling to other EU countries as it provides access to healthcare on the same basis as locals. However, with the end of the Brexit transition period, the future of the EHIC is uncertain. In this blog post, we’ll take you through what you need to know about the UK European Health Insurance Card after Brexit.
What is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?
The European Health Insurance Card is a free card that provides access to state-provided healthcare in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland, on the same basis as locals. This includes necessary medical treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, routine maternal care, and routine medical care for chronic diseases. In other words, if you fall ill or have an accident while traveling in Europe, you’ll be entitled to the same healthcare that locals receive.
What is Changing with the EHIC?
As the UK has left the EU, it will no longer be a member country and therefore no longer be part of the EHIC scheme. However, if you’re a UK national traveling to an EU country before 31 December 2020 or a UK student studying abroad, you can still apply for and use the EHIC until the end of 2020.
From January 1st, 2021, a new scheme called the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will replace the EHIC. This card will offer the same benefits as the EHIC but only in the EU countries. This means if you’re traveling to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you’ll need to get travel insurance with appropriate healthcare cover.
How to Apply for a GHIC?
If you’re a UK citizen and don’t have an EHIC yet, you can apply for a GHIC at gov.uk. The GHIC will be free, just like the EHIC, and you’ll be able to use it to access healthcare when visiting the EU. However, you must be a UK resident and have an NHS or an equivalent European Health Insurance card to apply for a GHIC.
Conclusion
Although the future of the EHIC is uncertain, the UK government has already decided to create its own version, called the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This card will provide the same health benefits as the EHIC but only in EU countries. If you plan to travel outside the EU, you’ll need travel insurance that will cover any healthcare costs you might incur. If you’re a UK citizen and plan to travel to the EU, it’s important to apply for a GHIC before you go to ensure you can access necessary healthcare when you need it.
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