UK to offer tourists health cover in Europe

BRITISH tourists in EU countries could be offered basic medical insurance by the Government after Brexit.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said ministers were keen to retain the existing deal allowing all EU citizens to receive emergency treatment in every member state.

Operated through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in most cases treatment is free at the point of use, with the bill sent to the patient’s home nation. Prime Minister Theresa May will today call for the EHIC system to be allowed to continue as part of a wider deal with Brussels on EU citizens’ rights.

But Mr Davis said Britain would offer similar cover unilaterally if the talks failed.

He added: ‘We’re looking to see if we can get a continuation of the EHIC scheme as it now exists, and of course if we can’t get one then we would provide one unilaterally anyway.’

The EHIC scheme only covers basic medical costs and is not a substitute for travel insurance.

But ministers believe the loss of the free provision could sour public attitudes towards Brexit and lead to British citizens in need of medical treatment on holiday being turned away. Any replacement scheme would most likely operate in a similar way to the EHIC.

Mrs May also wants a reciprocal arrangement to cover access to health for European Union and British citizens who live in each other’s countries.

The details are part of what ministers hope will be a comprehensive deal on citizens’ rights that will end the anxiety of the 3.2million EU citizens in this country and 1.2million Brits abroad.