British holidaymakers can still access free healthcare abroad after Brexit transition ends

British holidaymakers can still access free healthcare abroad after Brexit transition ends

  • European Health Insurance Cards will remain valid after transition period ends 
  • All cards issued before the end of this year will be valid until their date of expiry 
  • Next year Britain will start issuing different cards covering treatment in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein   

Holidaymakers will still be able to access free healthcare after the end of the Brexit transition period.

Those issued with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before the end of 2020 can use it before its expiry date, the deal states. 

Next year Britain will issue the UK Global Health Insurance Card.

British holidaymakers carrying a European Health Insurance Card will still be able to access free healthcare abroad after the Brexit transition period ends (file image)

Similar to the EHIC, it will allow state-provided medical treatment if people fall ill or have an accident in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

It will cover chronic or existing illnesses, routine maternity care and emergencies.

Specialised treatment, such as dialysis, will require ‘a prior agreement’ to make sure it is available.