EHIC cover in the UK

[DaveW]

I will have to go to the UK in the near future and my EHIC card has run out. Before I renew it, is it still valid in the UK post Brexit?

[exile]

I assume this is a UK issued EHIC and has been issued prior to Brexit happening. I also assume that you received it being a UK pensioner.

If so then I understand that you can still be issued with a new EHIC and that it remains active in the UK.

UK residents whose EHIC cards run out now have to get a GHIC as a replacement. The EHIC remains valid until its expiry date.

[tagh]

Do not UK pensioners living abroad have the right to full NHS medical care in the UK?

[Spardo]

Do not UK pensioners living abroad have the right to full NHS medical care in the UK?

No, not if non-resident, residency is the criterion in the NHS. But years ago when we first applied for French cards we were asked where we were going and then were refused as it was UK and 'not needed'. After checking with the NHS and firmly told no, we re-applied again in France but said we were going to Ireland. Job done.

However more recently we applied again but my wife was again told not needed, whether because of her ALD or S1, I have no idea. I haven't bothered since.

[Wilbro]

We applied for ours last year, renewals, no problem and the site confirmed they can be used for NHS treatment if necessary when visiting. We receive UK state pensions.

[AmandaJ]

Do not UK pensioners living abroad have the right to full NHS medical care in the UK?

Yes, if they have a S1. It states that on the S1 and recommends that you carry a copy with you as proof.

[Loup-garou]

The best answer is to look up the latest regs or, better still, phone the people at Washington, Co Durham who are quick to answer and have always been helpful.

I was told at the start of 2021, that I should not use an EHIC in the UK as I was entitled to treatment on the NHS - this reversed an earlier policy for UK citizens who were not UK resident. I was further told that I should give my French address to the receptionist as every hospital has a nominated S1 officer who could verify this, However, as that person may not always be on duty, I was advised to carry a copy of the S1 whilst in the UK. I have subsequently received a new EHIC unsolicited so maybe things have moved again.

The best advice is the current official advice rather than anecdotal or historically lapsed advice.

[DaveW]

I didn’t my self clear. I am French resident so get the card from CPAM, I was trying to understand if it is still valid in the brave new world (mess), that is Brexit Britain.

I don’t have an S1.

[beejay]

Latest information updated January 2021, here

https://tinyurl.com/5e7yamu8

[DaveW]

Latest information updated January 2021, here

https://tinyurl.com/5e7yamu8

Thanks, that explains what I need. I’ve applied for a new EHIC card on the CPAM site.