Brexit travel advice: What are European Health Insurance Cards and can I use the EHIC after January 31?
WITH Brexit coming up on January 31, Brits might be wondering how their travels to Europe could be affected.
One of the things that was due to change under a No Deal scenario was the validity of the European Health Insurance Card or EHIC.
Fortunately, the UK government is said to be on track to getting the Withdrawal Agreement ratified before the Brexit deadline.
Once that happens, the UK will enter into a transition period until December 31, 2020.
And it's great news for worried Brits - during the transition period, most things will stay as they are, including the validity of the EHIC.
Here's what you need to know:
Card holders are entitled to the same treatment (at the same cost) that local citizens are entitled to - so if they pay, you'll have to pay - and if they get healthcare for free, so will you.
You can apply for a card and some travel insurance policies will require you to have the card with you when travelling to Europe.
It said: "If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, your EHIC might not be valid anymore. Buy travel insurance that comes with healthcare cover before you travel."
That is still true but a No Deal scenario is now much less likely.
It’s free to apply for but some unofficial websites will charge a fee for processing your application.
Be careful when looking up the EHIC on Google as many of these websites pay the search engine to appear at the top, meaning some people end up paying for the free service.
Some travel insurers will waive excess fees on your policy if you have an EHIC, and some will require you to have it on you to make sure you are fully insured.
Don't fall for dodgy EHIC websites
Watch out for unofficial websites that try and catch people out by charging £20 or more to process an EHIC application.
Applying for an EHIC is completely free, as is the card, so the entire process shouldn't cost you a penny.
The websites might look official, but you should only apply using the official government website - and you can also find out more information on the .
Is an EHIC card free? Where can I get one?
EHICs are completely free and you can apply for one free-of-charge on the official government .
They are valid for up to five years, and all UK residents are eligible - although residents of the Channel Islands and Isle of Man are not.
Can I use an EHIC rather than buy travel insurance?
The EHIC shouldn't be used as an alternative to travel insurance, as it doesn't cover any private medical healthcare or costs, such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property.
It is also not valid on cruises.
EU NEED TO KNOW Do I need to renew my passport after Brexit? Latest advice and how to check
ABI spokesperson Sarah Cordey told Sun Online Travel: "Deal or No Deal Brexit, it remains vital to have travel insurance.
"Emergency oversees medical treatment can already mean eye-watering bills, and any loss of the European Health Insurance Card could push costs up even more.
"This will make travel insurance even more important to have than it already is, so make sure you shop around to get the cover that suits your needs and personal circumstances, including any pre-existing medical conditions."
Travel insurance has a much wider level of cover than the EHIC, for example, EHIC doesn't always mean free treatment, while travel insurance usually does.
It's important to have both an EHIC and travel insurance in place before you travel, as some insurers now insist you hold an EHIC, and many will waive the excess if you have one.
Some travel insurers are adding Brexit clauses in case of any disruption which may take place, while others refuse to offer protection.