Brits Urged to Check Health Insurance Requirements Before Moving Abroad

A leading reinsurance intermediary has warned Brits thinking of moving abroad to consider the healthcare implications of emigrating. After revealing that only 43 per cent of Brits wish to remain in Britain once they retire, Aon Consulting has warned that many Brits move abroad without due consideration of the medical treatment that will be available to them. Though many European countries have a national health service, many of these systems do not cover foreign visitors, and such are the discrepancies between the systems, Brits are being urged to examine their options before moving abroad.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles Brits to reduced or free medical treatment across the European Economic Area (EEA), but this should not be mistaken as a flawless health guarantee. Indeed, the EHIC is designed for short term residents, and Brits are advised to take out fully comprehensive health insurance policies if they move abroad, as these private medical insurance policies will entitle them to better hospital care than the limited EHIC.

The finding was part of a survey of over 7,500 European workers, which revealed that Brits are the least likely to want to stay at home when they retire.