“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
At Blacktower we make it our priority to help you achieve your financial and retirement goals while also helping you negotiate all cross-border considerations, including those that are related to Brexit.
If you are seeking expat financial advice regarding Brexit and would like to find out more about how Blacktower’s wealth management services could benefit you, contact us today.
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.
There are few, if any, financial decisions as important as deciding what to do with your pension. Nowadays there are so many choices, but the factors that influence the path you choose are complex and should only ever be undertaken in full knowledge of the various options available as well as their many implications.
Much has happened since I last put pen to paper in the immediate aftermath of the referendum result and I thought it sensible to comment on some of the issues which are emerging from the ‘swirling fog’ that we experiencing. July 24th 2016, reminded me of September 12th 2001 in New York, with people walking around in shock, confused at the attack on the political and economic system. To be angry at the shock of the unexpected result and how that might affect everyone’s life is a natural and rational response, however much it might seem otherwise. Last week I wrote that the result was not a disaster and the financial system was capable of absorbing this shock, in short, my view has not changed.