It’s the news that many would-be expats and those looking at future retirement abroad have been waiting for. The British government aims to continue the current system where British citizens living in the EU continue to receive free (or heavily subsidised) healthcare after Brexit. Even for those who move after Brexit and the transition period.
For many British people harbouring long-term hopes to live in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Cyprus or other EU nations, healthcare after Brexit has been a worry. The evidence is that people with long-term conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes have put their plans on hold, concerned that increased insurance and medical expenses could kill off their dream of retirement in the sun.
The UK is seeking to continue the current health schemes, such as the EHIC and S1, after it leaves the European Union.
However, a “command paper” from the UK government is offering some reassurance. It says that the UK is seeking to continue the current health schemes, such as the EHIC, S1 and S2 planned treatment scheme, after it leaves the European Union. These give the right to free or subsidised healthcare, for emergency treatment, planned treatment and long-term care.
The statement is in a reply from the Department of Health and Social Care to a key House of Lords Brexit committee. It covers plans for reciprocal healthcare for those EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU. Much of the statement reiterates the agreement already set out, for those who become legally resident in another EU country by Brexit. They will retain their current healthcare rights.
The UK plans to continue current reciprocal health arrangements after Brexit
After the Brexit door shuts
However, the Lords committee brought up the subject of how those who move after Brexit (and the transitional period) will be covered. “We therefore urge the Government to confirm how it will seek to protect reciprocal rights to healthcare of all UK and EU citizens post-Brexit.”
In response, the UK government says that this will be covered in the next phase of negotiations. They say that they are keen to achieve such an agreement, in particular for:
- UK state pensioners who retire after Brexit.
- The future of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- The right for British people in Europe to receive planned treatment pre-authorised by the UK.
As the Lords point out, the insurance costs for people with disabilities and rare diseases would be prohibitive even for holidays, let alone for retiring. The government replied that it agrees that reciprocal healthcare has worked well so far. Indeed it has been vital for those “with chronic conditions, disabilities or other long-term conditions that require ongoing medical attention. This is why we have been clear that we want to continue with the EHIC scheme in any future agreement.”
Bilateral agreements
The government points out that while freedom of movement is ending, people will continue to migrate between the UK and EU and says they “have been clear that we want a wider agreement.” They highlight the current bilateral agreements with other non-EU countries such as Australia and New Zealand. While these are generally for emergency care, “this demonstrates that reciprocal healthcare agreements are not dependent upon EU free movement rules.”
In other words, “we’ll work something out!”
In other words, “we’ll work something out!” After all, as the Lords point out, the NHS is likely to be a loser if reciprocal agreements end. Could the NHS cope if many of the million-plus British citizens abroad return home for treatment?
For anyone looking to retire to the sun, even with healthcare needs, the outlook still looks rosy.