LONDON — Brits visiting the EU and vice versa who need routine medical treatment such as dialysis can apply for continued access to health care abroad even if the two sides fail to strike a deal on their future relationship.
Under a deal announced Thursday, Britain and the EU agreed a temporary, time-limited deal targeted at patients who need regular treatment for chronic conditions. It’s intended to prevent disruption to treatments such as oxygen therapy or chemotherapy.
The agreement, covering the European Economic Area and Switzerland, will last for a year, covering travel between January 1 and December 31, 2021.
As things stand, from January 1, reciprocal health care is limited to: British pensioners already living in the EU; those already working in another EU country; students; and any dependents of these groups.
Patient groups including Kidney Care U.K. have been campaigning for years for reciprocal arrangements covering chronic conditions — arguing that without it, patients cannot travel to Europe since insurance firms do not cover their needs.
“The government recognises that these ongoing, routine treatment costs can be expensive, and makes travelling abroad extremely challenging for many people,” U.K. Health Minister Edward Argar said in a written statement.
Argar said the one-year scheme will be delivered on the U.K. side by the NHS Business Services Authority, a body reporting to the Department of Health and Social Care.
People will need to get in touch with their doctor to confirm they meet the scheme’s criteria. Further details on the scheme, including its application process and criteria, will be published shortly, Argar said.
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