“For the 190,000 expat state pensioners who have chosen to live in the EU and those intending to retire to the EU, it will help by safeguarding reciprocal healthcare if there is no EU deal,” announced the government.
Baron O’Shaughnessy, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care commented, “Whether on holiday, working or retiring abroad, British people want to know they can access the same high quality healthcare that they enjoy in the NHS.
“This bill will allow us to implement new healthcare arrangements with other countries – in the EU and elsewhere – so that UK citizens can travel with confidence.”
Furthermore, the government has also reassured expats that it expects the existing EHIC scheme will survive “subject to an agreement with the EU”.
The bill was brought to parliament by Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price. It lays the “legal basis to fund and implement reciprocal healthcare schemes and share necessary data after we leave the EU”.
Although the move has been criticised by some, it is undoubtedly a positive move as it represents an important contingency in the event of a no-deal.
Blacktower, expat financial services
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This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.
Maintaining your physical health and wellbeing as an expat is often one of the most pertinent aspects of financial planning abroad. Without the NHS to fall back on for care, making sure you’ve got adequate health insurance in place is an essential part of your preparation when moving overseas.