Get all the latest Brexit info for ex-pats in Europe / Gtres
Get all the latest Brexit info for ex-pats in Europe / Gtres

British ex-pats who live in Spain and tourists who visit every year will be covered in terms of healthcare after Brexit, thanks to the new Healthcare (international Arrangements) Bill going through parliament.

As the UK is still a member of the European Union, British citizens can currently receive free healthcare anywhere in Europe with their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). There were doubts, however, whether this would still be the case after Brexit, but it has now been confirmed that there will be no change in Brits’ health status.

If the bill goes through, it will allow the government to make separate and reciprocal deals with EU member states to reduce health insurance costs and make it easier to receive medical attention in a different country. The EHIC scheme is also expected to be extended after 2020, pending an agreement between the UK and the EU.

While British people living in Spain, whether working or retired, will be able to receive free healthcare as they do on the NHS, there are other consequences of Brexit for ex-pats that are still unclear, such as whether they will need visas to legally reside in Spain and what their residency status will be.