Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to replicate European Health Insurance Card reciprocal arrangements after the UK leaves the EU.

The Government has proposed to all European Union Member States that when we leave, we should maintain the existing healthcare arrangements including the European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) Scheme until 31 December 2020, with the aim of minimising disruption to healthcare provision for United Kingdom nationals and EU citizens. This is subject to negotiations, which are ongoing.

In the event that we cannot reach an agreement with EU Member States, EHICs may no longer be valid after exit day. It is not possible for the UK Government to guarantee access unilaterally to healthcare abroad, as this depends on decisions by Member States.

The Government has always advised UK nationals to take out comprehensive travel insurance when going overseas, both to EU and non-EU destinations. This will remain our advice in all circumstances.