What is the EHIC?*
27 million people in the UK1 hold EHIC cards, which currently gives them the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country and in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland where the scheme also operates.
This includes medically necessary treatment if they fall ill, have an accident or need emergency healthcare for a pre-existing medical condition at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge, until their planned return home. If you are travelling to Europe before 31 December 2020 the current UK EHIC entitlements will be in place until you leave that country to enter another country or return to the UK.
Visiting Europe in 2021
Government guidance on EHIC states2 “For most UK nationals, EHICs may not be valid from 1 January 2021. Make sure you take out travel insurance with medical cover for your trip. You may not have access to free emergency medical treatment and could be charged for your healthcare if you do not get health cover with your travel insurance.”
How can Gallagher help?
If you have drivers who will be travelling abroad we offer business travel insurance designed to help protect your employees in the event of an accident or work-related injury.
We have a range of solutions for the passenger transport sector, from small companies to large-scale operations. Travel insurance can also offer protection against other emergencies including terrorism, riots and other security incidents.
Even in the event of a reciprocal healthcare agreement being negotiated, business travel insurance is something that every company which operates abroad should consider, as it provides many additional benefits and greater protection than the current EHIC scheme.
Would you like to talk?
We have a number of travel insurance solutions available for businesses. For more information please get in touch with your Gallagher representative.
* European Health Insurance Card - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
1. http://data.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/committeeevidence.svc/evidencedocument/eu-home-affairs-subcommittee/brexit-reciprocal-healthcare/written/74081.html
2. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-residents-visiting-the-eueea-and-switzerland-healthcare
The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
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