New rules for Brits travelling to France, Spain, Greece, Germany, Holland and other EU countries give peace of mind to holidaymakers
These new rules mean that those travelling can do so with confidence
Jet away without fear (Image: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)
New rules agreed by the UK and European Union will ensure that Brits can continue to access emergency and medical care when travelling to the EU.
There were concerns that Brits would be forced to pay for medical treatment when travelling in countries such as France, Spain, Greece, Germany, Holland once the UK left the EU and the European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) scheme expired.
UK launches Global Health Insurance Card Date published: 13 January 2021
UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU
UK residents will now be able to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to replace European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) when their current EHIC expires.
Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.
Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU.
Monday January 11, 2021, 10:53 PM
A new insurance card enabling UK travellers to access healthcare in the European Union has been launched (Yui Mok/PA) Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
UK travellers will be able to obtain a new insurance card to give them access to healthcare in the European Union.
Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) were launched on Monday as part of the UK’s post-Brexit deal with the EU.
It replaces European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC), which will continue to be valid as long as they are in date.
Travellers only need to apply for a new cards when their EHIC expires.
EHIC and GHIC are not alternatives to travel insurance, and while they cover some free healthcare support in certain countries, not all medical treatment such as private medical healthcare or costs such as being flown back to the UK is included.
Lloyd continued: Travel insurance is all about protecting you and your booked travel arrangements, both before you depart and for the duration of your trip and it’s important to purchase travel insurance to ensure you don’t receive any hidden bills should you require medical attention whilst abroad. There are various reasons that can cause disruptions to your trip and having the right travel insurance policy adds a layer of protection against them.