Millions of Brits will still have access to free healthcare across Europe after Prime Minister Boris Johnson secured a trade deal with the EU just before Christmas.
There had been fears that a no-deal Brexit would have meant UK citizens would not be able to get care in Europe after the transition period ends.
But as part of the deal, the 27 million people with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued before the end of 2020 can still use it after January 1 until its expiry date.
Then in 2021, the UK will begin issuing a replacement to be called the UK Global Health Insurance Card.
Similar to the EHIC, it will allow state-provided medical treatment if people fall ill or have an accident in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
It will cover chronic or existing illnesses, routine maternity care and emergency care. Specialised treatment, such as dialysis, will require ‘a prior agreement’ to make sure it is available.
The blue EHIC cards last up to five years, which means that some people could keep using theirs until 2025.
In the meantime, the UK Global Health Insurance Card comes into effect for new applicants.
