Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 March 2017
151. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if an Irish citizen currently working in the UK can use their European health insurance card, EHIC, for medical treatment in the UK; if an Irish citizen's EHIC covers medicines post treatment here and in the UK; if the same criteria and rules will apply under the scheme post Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14660/17]
View answerUnder EU Regulations, all persons ordinarily resident in the EU are entitled to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC certifies that the holder has the right to receive emergency healthcare during a temporary stay in any EU country as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. This right is guaranteed to all persons who are covered by the public healthcare system of these countries. The EHIC holder has the right to receive necessary treatment on the host Member State's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of the State concerned.
My Department is currently examining the potential consequences of the UK's decision to leave the EU for healthcare in Ireland and for Irish citizens.
