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Unfortunately there is no yes/no answer. Currently, the official line on the .gov website says that if the UK leaves the EU without a deal “your EHIC might not be valid anymore.”
So, what are UK travellers expected to do if travelling to an EU destination after Brexit?
The official recommendation is: “Buy travel insurance that comes with healthcare cover before you travel.”
EHIC Vs Travel Insurance – What’s the difference?
The NHS and the Government have always recommended that travel insurance should be purchased by anyone travelling to an EU country. The new advice is for travellers to make sure that the travel insurance has comprehensive medical cover.
EHIC benefits:
- An EHIC provides access to state healthcare in your destination EU country either free or at a reduced rate.
- An EHIC can be used for getting treatment for some existing medical conditions.
An EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and should always be used in conjunction with a travel insurance policy. For example, the EHIC would never cover transport costs to return home in the event of serious illness or injury.
If EHICs become invalid, UK residents will no longer be able to access free or reduced-cost medical treatment in EU countries.
How will comprehensive Travel Insurance help UK travellers after Brexit?
Travel Insurance with comprehensive medical cover provides cover for injury, illness, and repatriation – all of which can be costly.
Did you know? The average cost of medical treatment in Spain is just over £8,000, and in France nearly £11,000. The most common things that require treatment are broken bones, heart conditions and food poisoning.
Travel insurance with healthcare cover, for a premium, can also take into account pre-existing conditions, and risks associated with any activities you may have on your holiday agenda, such as skydiving or bungee jumping. In addition, travel insurance covers you for things related to travel such as lost or stolen passports, and delayed or cancelled flights.
To find out what kind of travel insurance you might need if your EHIC is no longer valid call our team on 01892 833338. We offer comprehensive options for all single trip travel insurance, multi-trip travel insurance, longstay travel insurance – and on some of our policies kids go free.
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