What happens if the UK exits the EU?

There is a distinct possibility that the UK may leave the European Union in June this year. What does this mean for holiday makers heading to Spain, in terms of cover for medical issues?

Under the current EU agreement, UK holiday makers heading to Spain, France, Greece or any other European Union Country, will be covered for medical incidents and provide emergency treatment, assuming you have your card on you.

From the NHS website...

You can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when you visit a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland if, for example, you are going on a holiday or business trip.

For a country-by-country guide, see travelling in the EEA and Switzerland.
When you can't use your EHIC

You can't use your EHIC if you're moving abroad to live, work or study or going abroad for planned treatment (including giving birth). You also can't use your EHIC for private medical treatment.

The UK has agreements with some countries outside the EEA to provide healthcare for visitors. You do not need an EHIC to get urgent medical treatment in these countries, but you will usually need to provide documents that prove you live in the UK (such as a passport or driving licence).

If the UK were to leave the EU, then presumably there would be no EHIC card for Brits.

The truth is not much changes. Why? Because you should always have travel insurance anyway, even if you have an EHIC card, travel insurance should cover anything medical and is always essential!