{"id":2189,"date":"2020-12-04T15:24:21","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T07:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2189"},"modified":"2020-12-04T15:31:51","modified_gmt":"2020-12-04T07:31:51","slug":"will-the-ehic-still-be-valid-after-brexit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.co.uk\/blog\/will-the-ehic-still-be-valid-after-brexit\/","title":{"rendered":"Will the EHIC still be valid after Brexit?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It seems like a lifetime ago that British citizens voted to leave the European Union (EU). A gruelling negotiations period then ensued until Brexit finally occurred, which was immediately followed by another long transition period<\/a>. With that said, real changes are soon approaching after the transition period ends this year. In this Pacific Prime UK<\/a> article, we\u2019ll zoom in on one aspect of the change for British people: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).<\/p>\n

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\"Individual<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\n

EHIC and Brexit<\/h2>\n

First things first, we\u2019ll quickly recap on what the EHIC is. Essentially, it\u2019s a card that gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare and treatment during a temporary stay in another EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country. You\u2019ll be able to get access for free or at a subsidized rate before your planned return back to the UK. If you\u2019d like to find out what is and isn\u2019t covered, check out our earlier article on the EHIC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

EHIC before 31st December 2020<\/h3>\n

Given the fact that the UK remains in both the EU customs union and single market during the Brexit transition period, most things will stay the same until the transition period ends on 31st December 2020. British travellers will be happy to know that this includes the use of the EHIC card.<\/p>\n

Note<\/em><\/strong>: While the EHIC card is valid until the end of the transition period, unfortunately, we\u2019re in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Europe battles the pandemic, it\u2019s wise to avoid non-essential travel during this time or ensure that you <\/em>fly safely during the global pandemic<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

EHIC after 31st December 2020<\/h3>\n

After the Brexit transition period comes to an end<\/a> on 31st December 2020, British travellers will no longer be able to enjoy the benefits that come from an EHIC card. Given this, the UK government advises that travellers secure a travel insurance plan before setting off on a trip abroad.<\/p>\n

Exemptions:<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can use your EHIC beyond 2020 if you fall into one of the following categories<\/a>. But you\u2019re strongly advised to check with the relevant authorities in the EU country beforehand.<\/p>\n