Will the EHIC still be valid after Brexit?
If you’re hoping to visit Europe in 2021, you may be wondering if you’ll need to pack your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Carrying this little blue card with you on your holiday would give you access to free state-provided medical treatment should you fall ill or have an accident while on holiday in any EU country (along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).
As of 1 January 2021, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the EHIC. You can read more about the new GHIC here.
However, the Government confirmed all EHIC cards issued before 2021 will still be valid until their expiry date. After this point, you will need to apply for a GHIC. If you don’t have a GHIC or valid EHIC card, you can apply for a GHIC card on the NHS website.
What happens after 2020?
As long as you have access to a GHIC or valid EHIC, UK travellers will be eligible for free or reduced cost emergency medical treatment when travelling in Europe.
The UK government recommends that all holidaymakers arrange travel insurance with healthcare cover before they travel to Europe, just as you would if you were travelling elsewhere.
It is especially important for anyone travelling with pre-existing medical conditions to find a specialist insurer that will cover their specific health needs.
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