Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to ensure that UK citizens can participate in the European Health Card scheme (1) during, and (2) after, the transition period following the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

We have agreed reciprocal healthcare arrangements for the purposes of the Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union. The current structure of EU rules and regulations will apply until the end of the implementation period, including the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme.

Individuals in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement will be entitled to reciprocal healthcare cover on the terms laid out under that deal.

Reciprocal healthcare rights for individuals not in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement will be a matter for further negotiation with the EU. We have been clear that we want all current and future United Kingdom EHIC holders to benefit from EHIC rights, subject to a reciprocal deal.

At every step of the negotiations we will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people.