No Deal Brexit: Brits in the EU will have free healthcare for six months

The government has pledged to give Brits living in the EU free healthcare for six months if the UK leaves without a deal.

The funded healthcare will be available to all Brits including pensioners and students, those on disability benefits and UK workers temporarily working in the EU, with existing healthcare arrangements continuing until 31 December 2020.

The government has also committed to paying the costs of UK nationals in the EU in the middle of treatment if and when we leave the EU, for up to a year.

In addition, the government will also provide cover during the time it takes to be registered with a local healthcare scheme.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Protecting the healthcare rights of UK nationals is a priority of this government.

“While the government continues to work towards a good deal, I am today announcing that pensioners, students and UK workers living in the EU will have their healthcare costs covered for 6 months after 31 October, whatever the circumstances of Brexit.

“All UK nationals in the EU should act now and take the simple steps needed to secure their access to healthcare.”

The NHS is writing to 180,000 UK nationals living in the EU to make them aware of changes.

The government has also committed to covering the healthcare costs for students who began their courses in the EU ahead of 31 October for the whole of their course

They will also cover the healthcare costs of UK visitors to the EU who began their trip before the UK left the EU until they return to the UK.

People currently insured by the UK living in the EU can return to use the NHS temporarily in England, Wales and Scotland free of charge.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Nick Archer, said: “We are pleased to confirm this additional support, which has been offered to pensioners and others who have their healthcare covered by the UK.

“These transitional arrangements provide welcome reassurance to thousands of our UK residents living in Europe who may have their access to healthcare affected after Brexit.”