Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Update on Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangements

17 December 2020 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Edward Argar Con Melton and Syston

BrexitNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK plans to implement a time-limited healthcare scheme from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, if no EU-wide agreement is reached.
  • The scheme aims to support UK residents with ongoing routine treatment needs while traveling to the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
  • The statement was made by Edward Argar, MP for Melton and Syston, on December 17, 2020.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the UK's plans for reciprocal healthcare arrangements for travel to the European Economic Area or Switzerland post-Brexit Transition Period.

Action requested

If no EU-wide agreement is reached, the Government will implement a time-limited healthcare scheme from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, supporting UK residents with ongoing routine treatment needs while traveling abroad.

Key facts

  • Current reciprocal healthcare arrangements will end on December 31, 2020.
  • The time-limited scheme covers travel from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
  • Individuals must be ordinarily resident in the UK and entitled to NHS treatment.
  • NHS Business Services Authority will deliver the scheme for the whole of the UK.
  • Travel to Ireland is exempt as both governments are committed to maintaining healthcare access between them.
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