The Department of Health and Social Care is urging Britons to buy comprehensive travel insurance if no Brexit deal is agreed, as European Health Insurance Cards (Ehics) will not be valid.
The department tweeted yesterday: “European Health Insurance Cards (Ehics) will no longer be valid if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
“You should buy comprehensive travel insurance to cover any healthcare costs while travelling in the EU.”
Abta retweeted the tweet, and the Association of British Insurers also flagged up the warning, urging travellers to ensure they buy the right travel insurance.
There are just five days to go until the UK is due to leave the EU, and prime minister Theresa May is due at an emergency summit in Brussels on Wednesday (April 10).
She is also set to resume talks with the Labour party and will travel to Berlin tomorrow (April 9) to meet German chancellor Angela Merkel.
In January, the government issued advice urging travellers to check health care arrangements in the specific country they are visiting in the event of a no-deal EU exit.
Abta also has Brexit guidance about Ehics and travel insurance, which says: “Abta has always advised holidaymakers and business travellers to make sure they have appropriate travel insurance, whether they have an Ehic card or not, as there are limitations to Ehic
“When travelling in the EU and beyond, it is important you take out travel insurance and check that it covers your current circumstances, including any medical conditions.”
More: UK visitors will not need visa after Brexit