in Health
How will Brexit affect the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for British travellers?
Many British citizens planning on travelling to Europe may be wondering as to what will happen to their insurance coverage under the EHIC. If you are one of those that are concerned, you will be pleased to know that if you go on holiday in 2020, you will still be able to use your EHIC. However, what happens in 2021 and beyond will be decided in negotiations between the UK government and EU officials.
In this article by Pacific Prime UK, we will elaborate on what the EHIC entitles British citizens to in Europe, and why travellers should consider securing travel insurance and/or health insurance on top of the EHIC for 2021, and beyond.
What is the EHIC?
The European Health Insurance Card – EHIC gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare and treatment during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. Access is given for free or at a reduced cost if you unexpectedly fall ill, until your planned return to the UK.
To date, the UK has issued over 27 million EHIC to its citizens. If you haven’t done so yet, you can apply or renew an EHIC using the official EHIC online application form. Do take note that for British citizens, getting one is free of charge.
The card is evidence that you are insured in an EU member state and essentially guarantees you the same rights to healthcare as compared to a resident of that country. Simply speaking, if locals pay for healthcare, you pay for healthcare and if they don’t, you don’t.
What does the EHIC cover?
The EHIC covers certain health conditions, which is why travellers are encouraged to apply for one and keep the card close to them in case of use.
EHIC covers chronic or pre-existing medical conditions
An interesting benefit of the EHIC is that it covers the treatment of a chronic or pre-existing medical condition that needs monitoring during your visit. Be sure to seek the advice of your GP before travelling, so that you have a plan in place to receive treatment when needed.
EHIC covers maternity checks and unplanned childbirths
Additionally, the EHIC also covers routine maternity checks and care related to pregnancy, including unexpected childbirths. For instance, if you unexpectedly go into labour while on a trip abroad.
Planning on giving birth outside the UK
If you plan on giving birth outside the UK in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you’ll need:
The S2 is for maternity care and delivery only. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is for any other state-provided healthcare treatment that you or your child may need.
EHIC covers the provision of oxygen and kidney dialysis
For UK travellers planning to receive oxygen therapy or kidney dialysis treatment abroad, it is recommended that you contact your local GP to arrange and pre-book these treatments in advance before you go on holiday.
What does the EHIC not cover?
It is important to note that the EHIC is not an all-inclusive health insurance plan, and therefore not the only option that travellers should be seeking for their holidays. Of course, you would be convinced that the aforementioned coverage sounds appealing and a no brainer to apply since it is free to get. But you would be wrong to think just that as we will reveal below:
Different country, thus different healthcare system
Without a doubt, each country’s health system is different and might not include all the things you would expect from the UK’s National Health Service, and the treatment is not always free of charge. There may be treatment costs that as a patient, you will have to make a contribution to. In some countries, patients are expected to directly contribute a percentage to the cost of their state-provided treatment. This is known as a patient co-payment. Therefore as a patient from the UK, you will be expected to pay the same co-payment charge, as any other patient from the same country.
EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance or health insurance
As a traveller, you should be seeking the most comprehensive and appropriate insurance policy that will cover for any unexpected bills or losses. Although the EHIC will help cover emergency treatment if you unexpectedly fall ill, there are indeed some limitations to certain treatments, options and medication. However, with travel insurance or individual health plans, you can rest assured that your medical costs can be covered up to the limitations of your plan.
The EHIC is therefore not an alternative to travel insurance. Additionally, it will not cover any private medical healthcare or costs derived from treatment, medical emergency evacuation or repatriation of mortal remains.
Is the EHIC valid during the transition period
Yes, during the transition period which will last until the UK formally leaves the EU after 31 December 2020, your EHIC will remain valid.
What will happen after 2020?
What remains to happen after 2020 is yet to be decided as the UK government seeks to make agreements with European countries on healthcare arrangements for UK nationals.
On this basis, it is crucial that for all your travel arrangements for 2020, but also 2021 and beyond, you should acquire adequate health insurance coverage in the form of travel insurance or international health insurance. These differ from one another but by securing them you are more protected from any unexpected costs that may arise during your travels.
How can Pacific Prime UK help?
As an insurance brokerage firm, Pacific Prime UK works closely with several insurance carriers to provide comprehensive individual insurance plans, family health insurance plans and group insurance plans. Our global insurance partners include:
If you are making future holiday plans for 2020, but also 2021, and would like to inquire about expat travel insurance or international health insurance, then contact us today for a thorough comparison of the plans available and receive a free quote!
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