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<p>We want to secure reciprocal arrangements in a ‘no deal’ exit, so that no-one faces
sudden changes to how they obtain healthcare.</p><p> </p><p>The United Kingdom has
made a generous unilateral offer to European Union citizens resident in the UK; through
the EU settlement scheme, they will be able to work, study, and access benefits and
services on broadly the same terms as now. We believe Member States have responsibilities
and a duty of care towards UK nationals and are urging the EU and all its Member States
to make the same commitment to protect the rights of UK nationals in the EU.</p><p>
</p><p>The Healthcare (International Arrangements) Bill will give the Government the
power to fund and arrange payments for healthcare for UK nationals (or former residents)
outside of the UK, as well as to share the necessary data in relation to this.</p><p>
</p><p>This will enable the Government to work to ensure reciprocal healthcare arrangements
continue when we leave the EU, whether through arrangements with the EU as a whole
or, individual arrangements with EU Member States.</p><p> </p><p>The UK and Irish
Governments have both set out their firm intention to maintain current reciprocal
access to local health services under the Common Travel Area framework, and work on
this is at an advanced stage.</p><p> </p><p>We have informally approached other Member
States and are prioritising those that are the major pensioner, worker and tourist
destinations. We will shortly be writing to all EU Member States, along with the EU
Commission, formally outlining our generous offer on reciprocal healthcare. This will
be subject to ongoing discussions.</p>
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