Brits warned to check health insurance before going on holidays due to Brexit

06 June 2023 , 12:27

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When you travel to the EU you should have either a UK Global Health Insurance Card or a European Health Insurance Card (Image: Getty Images)

Brits heading for holidays in Europe this summer should make sure their health insurance is in order.

Since the UK left the EU at the end of 2021, many things have changed - including how much you're likely to pay for text and calls within the bloc.

Another thing that has changed since the official Brexit date is how health insurance works for UK residents when they're in EU countries, whether for work or holidays.

When you travel to an EU country or Switzerland you should have either a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

You should also have travel insurance with healthcare cover, the UK Government recommends.

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"An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Make sure you have both before you travel," the Department of Health and Social Care advises on its website.

Rules about travel insurance have changed post-Brexit (PA)

If you have a GHIC then you will be able to get medically necessary state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. The cover is the same as residents in that country are eligible to receive.

The government has a list of what is covered in the different EU countries on its website, so make sure to check it before you go, especially if you're planning to do something a little dangerous such as skiing.

If your EHIC - which was replaced by the GHIC - is still in date, you do not need to apply for a new GHIC before it expires. The EHIC is still accepted.

Each healthcare system is different, and in some countries you’ll need to pay to have treatment.

An EHIC or GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance – it does not cover everything, such as mountain rescue or being flown back to the UK as part of medical repatriation.

You’ll need to pay in full for treatment if you do not have an EHIC, GHIC or provisional replacement certificate, so it is important to make sure you've got yours to hand when travelling.

The following European countries do not accept the EHIC or GHIC:

• the Isle of Man
• Jersey
• Monaco
• San Marino
• the Vatican

If you do not have your EHIC or GHIC with you you’ll need to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) if you need treatment or your card is lost or stolen abroad.

It is important to know your rights before you travel (Getty Images)

To get hold of one you can call the Overseas Healthcare Services on +44 (0)191 218 1999, with lines open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.

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If you need to have treatment while you’re abroad for a condition you know about, you may need to pre-arrange it. For example, if you need dialysis or oxygen treatment. Speak to your doctor in the UK for advice before you travel.

You cannot take some products prescribed for health conditions with you into the EU, so it is important to check your medication before heading on holiday.

UK prescriptions can be used in Ireland and Spain, but you cannot use a UK prescription elsewhere in the EU.

If you do rely on medication, before you travel make sure you either:

• take enough medication to last the duration of your trip
• can get any medicine you need in the country you’re going to
• Check with the embassy, high commission or consulate for the country you’re visiting about local rules on any specific medicines.

You need a letter to prove your medicine is prescribed to you if it contains a ‘controlled drug’. You may need to show this at the border when you’re entering or leaving the UK.

If you have an EHIC or GHIC, you should pay the same as a citizen of the EU country you’re visiting for a prescription.

Milo Boyd