Healthcare and travel insurance bills could rise for holidays in EU

FAMILIES could be hit by dramatically increased healthcare bills and travel insurance when going on holidays to Europe after Brexit.

EU negotiators have insisted the UK should not be allowed to retain membership of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme.

The aggressive move comes after British officials insisted they wanted to keep the scheme open for travellers.

UK tourists carrying an EHIC card can access free healthcare or claim back the cost of treatment while visiting Europe. If Brussels successfully kicks Britain out of the scheme – which costs the UK about £155million a year – it could see travellers hit with huge fees if they get sick in the EU.

Experts have also warned that this could lead to a rise in travel insurance costs.

Brexit Secretary David Davis announced earlier this year: ‘We’re looking to see if we can get a continuation of the EHIC scheme as it now exists.’

Mr Davis said the UK would try to set up a unilateral arrangement if continuing with EHIC became a problem.