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<p>On 19 March 2019, I laid a written ministerial statement (<a href="https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statements/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&uin=HCWS1429"
target="_blank">HCWS1429</a>) on the Department’s plans for the continuity of reciprocal
healthcare arrangements in the event we exit the European Union without a deal. This
statement includes specific guidance on European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs).</p><p>
</p><p>The Department recognises that people with some pre-existing conditions rely
on the EHIC to be able to travel. In a no deal scenario, these may no longer be valid
in some EU Member States, and in European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states for
those visitors not in scope of the EFTA Citizens’ Rights Agreements and travelling
after exit day.</p><p> </p><p>The United Kingdom Government has proposed to EU Member
States and EFTA states that we should maintain the existing healthcare arrangements,
including an EHIC type arrangement with similar benefits, in a no deal scenario until
31 December 2020, with the aim of minimising disruption to UK nationals and EU and
EFTA state citizens’ healthcare provision. However, it is not possible for the UK
Government to guarantee access unilaterally to healthcare abroad, as this depends
on reciprocity from Member States.</p><p> </p><p>The Department has advised UK nationals
living in or travelling to EU Member States to check up to date information on GOV.UK
and NHS.UK and ensure they have taken the necessary steps to prepare. This information
is available on the following links:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/overseas-living-in-guides"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/overseas-living-in-guides</a></p><p>
</p><p><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/healthcare-when-travelling-abroad/travelling-in-the-european-economic-area-eea-and-switzerland/"
target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/healthcare-when-travelling-abroad/travelling-in-the-european-economic-area-eea-and-switzerland/</a></p><p>
</p><p>It is already the case that we advise people to obtain comprehensive travel
insurance when working, studying or travelling to the EU and the rest of the world.
This will remain our advice in all circumstances. When travelling abroad, individuals
are responsible for ensuring their travel insurance covers their healthcare needs.</p><p>
</p><p>The Department has engaged closely with partners such as the Association of
British Travel Insurers and organisations representing people with long-term health
conditions, such as Kidney Care UK and the British Lung Foundation, to understand
the impacts on some patient groups with long-term conditions, as well as to help develop
the Healthcare (European Economic Area and Switzerland Arrangements) Act 2019. This
legislation will provide us with the power to fund and implement comprehensive reciprocal
healthcare arrangements after we leave the EU.</p>
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