Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
#1
Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
I am permanently resident in Portugal and have a Portuguese EHIC card primarily for medical ‘insurance’ when visiting the UK.
Post Brexit I guess I will lose this benefit and so does this mean even as a British Citizen I will not have any kind of protection against any medical care I might need whilst visiting the UK and will therefore have to arrange private travel insurance?
Post Brexit I guess I will lose this benefit and so does this mean even as a British Citizen I will not have any kind of protection against any medical care I might need whilst visiting the UK and will therefore have to arrange private travel insurance?
#2
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
It depends.
If the UK leaves with an agreement, EHIC cards will continue to be accepted on both sides at least until the end of the transition period.
If the UK leaves without one, they will not unless or until an agreement (or agreements, in the case of bilateral arrangements with individual countries) on the matter is reached.
A PT EHIC issued to a UK citizen will still be valid for use in all the other EU member states, though, even in the case of a disorderly Brexit.
If the UK leaves with an agreement, EHIC cards will continue to be accepted on both sides at least until the end of the transition period.
If the UK leaves without one, they will not unless or until an agreement (or agreements, in the case of bilateral arrangements with individual countries) on the matter is reached.
A PT EHIC issued to a UK citizen will still be valid for use in all the other EU member states, though, even in the case of a disorderly Brexit.
#3
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
So if no agreement then as a British Citizen visiting the UK are you also saying I would have no UK NHS benefits in the event of needing medical treatment?
#4
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
As things stand, unless you're a UK state pensioner, a posted worker or a student and you're currently resident in the EU, you won't have free NHS treatment on visits to the UK in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 42
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
I am permanently resident in Portugal and have a Portuguese EHIC card primarily for medical ‘insurance’ when visiting the UK.
Post Brexit I guess I will lose this benefit and so does this mean even as a British Citizen I will not have any kind of protection against any medical care I might need whilst visiting the UK and will therefore have to arrange private travel insurance?
Post Brexit I guess I will lose this benefit and so does this mean even as a British Citizen I will not have any kind of protection against any medical care I might need whilst visiting the UK and will therefore have to arrange private travel insurance?
Those of us who live outside the EU have had this to contend with for a long time although its only been really been pushed and checked on since 2017.
Last edited by Rorypens; Sep 27th 2019 at 2:27 am.
#6
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
It should be pointed that everyone gets primary care - A&E, GP - for free on the NHS regardless of their residence status. Non-residents are only charged for secondary care - anything involving in-patient treatment - for which you should be taking out travel insurance for in any case.
#7
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Algarve, Portugal.
Posts: 4,478
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
It should be pointed that everyone gets primary care - A&E, GP - for free on the NHS regardless of their residence status. Non-residents are only charged for secondary care - anything involving in-patient treatment - for which you should be taking out travel insurance for in any case.
UK Dr's now have to act as unpaid border officials.
#8
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
Ah..... I question that statement BiP....... At my distance I'm open to correction, so if I'm wrong then I'll admit it; - but I believe the only service you'll get is an ambulance ride to a treatment venue, but the treatment that follows won't come without a bill.... at least that's my understanding.
UK Dr's now have to act as unpaid border officials.
UK Dr's now have to act as unpaid border officials.
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 360
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
As things stand, unless you're a UK state pensioner, a posted worker or a student and you're currently resident in the EU, you won't have free NHS treatment on visits to the UK in the event of a disorderly Brexit.
#10
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Algarve, Portugal.
Posts: 4,478
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
Not necessarily. I'm personally aware of one finishing a three year contract outside the EU, who on his return to see his family at Christmas and needing a Dr. was firmly told that as he had no "current settled UK status" (outside for over 18 months) he was not entitled to any free treatment....... (physician heal thyself ? )
#12
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 360
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
UK State pensioners with S1 cover (ie registered in another EU country as such) are, yes.
#13
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
In the future, who knows, since it depends entirely on the UK government's desire to continue with such arrangements.
#14
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
Quote : "After 31st October 2019 you will be able to access free health Care when temporarily visiting England, Scotland and Wales. To access NHS services you will need to present a copy of your S1.
If you are planning to travel to another EU country without an arrangement between the UK and the country you are travelling to you will not be able to rely on your UK-issued EHIC card , youmust make sure you have travel insurance that covers you for healthcare.
#15
Banned
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Algarve, Portugal.
Posts: 4,478
Re: Portuguese EHIC Card Post Brexit
Letter received today from NHS Business Service Authority as a UK pensioner living in Portugal
Quote : "After 31st October 2019 you will be able to access free health Care when temporarily visiting England, Scotland and Wales. To access NHS services you will need to present a copy of your S1.
If you are planning to travel to another EU country without an arrangement between the UK and the country you are travelling to you will not be able to rely on your UK-issued EHIC card , youmust make sure you have travel insurance that covers you for healthcare.
Quote : "After 31st October 2019 you will be able to access free health Care when temporarily visiting England, Scotland and Wales. To access NHS services you will need to present a copy of your S1.
If you are planning to travel to another EU country without an arrangement between the UK and the country you are travelling to you will not be able to rely on your UK-issued EHIC card , youmust make sure you have travel insurance that covers you for healthcare.
Own it folks.