"By seeking to negotiate new agreements with the EU and beyond, my constituents can travel to the continent with confidence that their healthcare needs will be met after Brexit" Caroline Dinenage MP
Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has given her backing to new legislation that will allow the Government to cover healthcare costs of UK nationals overseas.
The Healthcare (International Agreement) Bill will allow the UK Government to enter agreements with the EU or bilateral agreements to give comprehensive reciprocal arrangements; including continued membership of the popular European Healthcare Insurance Card scheme.
Current legislation has incorporated EU legislation until December 2020 so new legislation is needed to negotiate these agreements following that date or in the event of a 'no-deal' scenario.
This will benefit the one million UK citizens living in the EU and the many millions more who visit the EU for holidays or to study.
Commenting Caroline said: "It is right that as we get closer to 29th March we must ensure arrangements are in place for my constituents to have certainty when travelling to the EU.
These schemes allow vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with long-term conditions to travel abroad.
It is good to reassure my constituents that the Government is taking this issue seriously and recognises how important this is to the public."
The bill will also allow the Government to extend such arrangements to future trading partners such as Australia and New Zealand benefiting even more UK nationals.
