Concerned about your EHIC? Wondering if your card will be valid in a post-Brexit world? Then read on!

The convenience of the EHIC card has benefited UK nationals for years as a way of avoiding certain health care costs while abroad in the EU. European Health Insurance Cards not only cover pre-existing medical conditions but also emergency care - providing necessary state healthcare at a reduced cost (or in many cases free of charge) until you return home. Those with chronic illnesses can also travel with the knowledge that they'll receive treatment on the same terms as the citizens of the country they're visiting. You may now be wondering how Brexit will affect UK business travellers abroad, or anyone needing healthcare within the EU after we leave. Whatever way you look at it Brexit will affect your EHIC card and it's important to think about preparing for possible changes if you're planning a trip!

Will Brexit affect my EHIC?

At this stage your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you the same medical care as EU nationals. Following both the UK and the EU signing the Withdrawal Agreement on 31st January 2020, we are now in a transition period lasting until at least 31st December 2020. During this time, everything will remain the same and you can continue to use your EHIC as normal.

The UK has reciprocal health insurance deals with a few non-EU countries, including Australia and New Zealand, which will be unaffected by Brexit.

How long does EHIC cover you for?

Technically, it's five years. However, your card will only be valid up until 31st December 2020, according to the UK Government website.

Do you still need travel insurance with an EHIC?

It's very important to remember that the European Health Insurance Card is not an alternative to travel insurance because the cover can be quite limited, so you must make sure you have both when travelling abroad. If you have travel arrangements, make sure you continue to buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers all pre-existing medical conditions you have and the fun activities you plan to do on your trip, just as if you were visiting a non-EU country.

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If you would like a cheaper travel insurance alternative, you may like to take a look at our Bronze or Silver cover or Gold cover which provide appropriate levels of cover, including up to £5 million in medical cover with Bronze or up to £10 million in medical cover with our Silver or Gold cover.

All information correct as of February 2020. Sources: the UK Government website and the NHS website.