Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Sunday, 19 January 2020

How will Brexit affect your EHIC card? Rules explained

WITH THE Brexit deadline approaching, what does it mean for travel for Britons visiting the EU?

By LEAH SINCLAIR
For many travelling to Europe after 31 January, there are concerns about how they will be affected due to the number of changes that will apply to Britons visiting Europe after .

One of these concerns include the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and whether it’ll still be valid following Brexit.

What is an EHIC card?

The European Health Insurance Card gives Britons free or discounted medical treatment at state-run hospitals and GPs in European countries.
Card holders are entitled to the same treatment that local citizens are entitled to and the card is available to order online for free.
To benefit from the card, you must be insured or covered by a state social security system in any member State of the European Union.
Brexit - EHIC
Travel: The EHIC is available to Britons to receive discounted or free medical care in the EU (Image: Getty Images)

How long is the card valid for?

This varies from country to country so it’s best to check with your local health authority. However, while the EHIC is valid until 31 January, the government has advised that Britons get the appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before going abroad as the card may not be valid in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
“It’s particularly important you get travel insurance with the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition,” states Gov.co.uk.
“This is because the EHIC scheme covers pre-existing conditions, while many travel insurance policies do not.”
If the UK leaves with a no-deal Brexit, Britons in need of medical help will have to pay or make sure they have adequate travel insurance before they travel.
However, if the UK does leave with a deal and enters the transition period at the end of the month, travel requirements and arrangements will remain the same until at least the end of December 2020.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “The UK is primed to enter a new Brexit phase from 31 January, when trade talks begin, and when it does nothing will change when it comes to travel.
“This means that valid passports can still be used, EHIC cards will still be valid and the same gates can be used at border checkpoints.
EHIC - brexit
EHIC: How long EHIC remains valid will depend upon whether the UK leaves with a deal (Image: Getty Images)
“People can continue to make their travel plans with confidence that things won’t change until at least the end of 2020.

Will Britons need extra travel insurance?

During the transition period, it’s advised that Britons get the appropriate travel insurance. Travel insurance policies are designed to provide cover for various eventualities, including medical expenses, trips being cut short or cancelled, or loss and theft of possessions.
Gov.co.uk advise: “When you travel, make sure you take details of your insurance policy with you, including your policy number and the emergency assistance telephone number provided by your insurer.
“Give a copy of your policy details to the people you’re travelling with and friends or family back home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.”
While it's advised to get travel insurance now, the EHIC card has never been a replacement for travel insurance and travellers should get insurance whether the EHIC remains valid after 31 January.
Earlier this week, Martin Lewis appeared on Good Morning Britain to warn Britons about the urgency of purchasing travel insurance. While many people wait until just before their departure to invest in a policy, Mr Lewis has stated this is not a wise decision.
He explained: “January is the biggest holiday booking month, and if you’ve just book yours, make sure you’ve sorted your travel insurance out too.
“You need cover from the moment you go, yet far too many people book a holiday and then leave the cover until later.”
Can I renew or get an EHIC card?
Britons can still apply for an EHIC card or renew their current card six months before their existing one runs out.
Renewal applications need to be filled out via the EHIC website and it’s free to apply for.

 Conversation
  • The headline should be - 'How will Brexit affect your EHIC card? Rules poorly explained and confused' Nothing will change until the end of the transition period or an announcement is made
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  • CJjj1Leader

    Is a bit messy but, -Valid till end of 2020 perhaps longer- -Always get travel insurance as well- And that that is about all we needed to know.

    • jcnotts 16h
    • Over the last few years we have used our EHIC cards on a number of occasions in both France and Spain. In total at 5 different hospitals. Everything has been brilliant. We have had no problems at all with EHIC, language barriers or medical attention. Similar medical experiences inside the UK have always resulted in much longer waits for treatment most often in more overcrowded and stressed facilities. I assume that most of your 'comments' are from people interested in promoting negative propaganda. If EHIC is so 'useless' why do all insurance companies tell us to use it?
    • MRob522Leader

      I don’t know if anyone else has had any success using this card. I have tried to use it several times. As a rule no one has seen it or even heard of it. only once did I get a reduction but that was after a 20+ explanation several phone calls and a return visit to the Drs to get a different colour prescription. I can honestly say it’s been no use whatsoever because I have still had to pay the going rate.

    • end2018west@gmail.comLeader

      travel health insurance is a must, do not rely on EHIC, costs peanuts for cover
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      • concernedLeader

        Sadly the EHIC card is not as universally accepted as people think. It was refused in Ibza and Cyprus and both my self and others found they had to pay in full for medical treatment. In one case, in Majorca, a guest at a nearby hotel suffering from a suspected hear attack was asked by hotel staff if he had insurance or sufficient funds to cover the cost of an ambulance before they called one. Because the only ones available locally were privately operated and payment would be needed before they would take him to hospital in Palma. I must admit when we needed medical treatment in mainland Spain, all we did was produce our cards and passport. BUT the hospital receptionist insisted on filling in all the forms s etc before she would let us see a doctor. Thankfully our problem was not life threatening ( actually caused by additives and salt put in cheap food to make it taste better the doctor said when she found out which hotel we were staying in ) so it was a couple of tablets and advice to avoid any food in sauces.
      https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1230091/brexit-ehic-card-rules-explained-travel-news
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      Brexit: Do Britons need a new passport after Brexit day in January? Rules explained

      WITH THE Brexit deadline approaching, what does it mean for travel for Britons visiting the EU?

      By LEAH SINCLAIR
      Brexit - Travel
      Brexit: The transition period means Britons will be able to travel as normal in Europe (Image: Getty Images)
      As the deadline looms, many Britons are concerned about how this will impact aspects of their lives and affect their travel plans. Assuming the UK does leave the EU on January 31 under terms of the Withdrawal agreement, holidaymakers and business travellers will need to be aware of the necessary steps to take to avoid an disruption during their travel plans. Will Britons need to update their passports?

      Travel after 31 January 2020

      If Britain leaves the EU under the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK will enter a transition period. This means everything will remain the same and Britons can continue to travel as normal until December 2020.
      After the transition period ends, there will be limits to how long UK citizens can spend at a time in the EU.
      However, if there is a no-deal exit, UK travellers will still be able to travel, due to contingency legislation in place or the travel services are covered by international law, according to ABTA.

      Will Britons need a new passport after January 31?

      British passports will remain a valid document but having one will no longer make Britons an EU citizen.
      During the transition period, Britons can travel in and out of Europe visa-free and without additional travel documents.
      However, Gov.co.uk advises that all British passport holders check to see if they need to renew their passport due to changes after Brexit.
      “You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling after Brexit,” the site reads.
      “On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:
      • have at least six months left
      • be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)
      If you do not renew it, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.”

      Will flights still operate?

      If a deal is agreed, all flights will operate the same during the transition period with flights continuing as normal. According to ABTA: “In a no-deal scenario the European Commission has said that UK airlines will still be able to operate flights between the UK and the EU under contingency legislation.”

      Will Britons need extra travel insurance?

      During the transition period, it’s advised that Britons get the appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before going abroad as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card may not be valid.
      “It’s particularly important you get travel insurance with the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition,” states Gov.co.uk.
      “This is because the EHIC scheme covers pre-existing conditions, while many travel insurance policies do not.”
      Will Britons need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?
      The European Parliament confirmed that UK citizens will not need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit. This is specifically for short-term business or leisure trips. UK citizens can stay in the EU for up to 90 days without a visa.

      Can Britons still drive in the EU?

      British travellers may need to have extra documents. According to Gov.co.uk: “You’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries.
      “If you’re taking your own vehicle, you’ll also need a ‘green card’ - allow one month to get this from your vehicle insurance company - and GB sticker.”
      Ferries, cruises, Eurostar, bus and coach services are expected to run as normal following Brexit.
      However, Bus and coach services to non-EU countries, for example Switzerland or Andorra, may not be able to run.
      “The government is working to make sure these continue with minimal or no disruption,” Gov.co.uk added.
      https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1228246/brexit-britons-passport-rules-explained-news-eu-latest?
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