Currently as EU citizens we have the right to access healthcare across the border, EU legislation is in place to safeguard entitlement for students, cross-border workers, tourists etc.  There are also EU initiatives facilitating the right to choose to travel to another EU member state for treatment.

How Brexit will impact on healthcare rights is a concern.  For example,

• British citizens living in Northern Ireland may lose their right to EU healthcare initiatives including the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and the European Healthcare Directive
• Complexities may also arise for Irish citizens, born in Northern Ireland, as they attempt to exercise their right to EU citizenship. How will they apply for healthcare initiatives? Which authorities will process their claims?

Currently EU legislation provides that cross-border workers can access healthcare both where they live and where they work e.g. a southern resident working in Northern Ireland, will be entitled to an Irish medical card without a means-test while also accessing healthcare in Northern Ireland.  Options for a continuation of care for cross-border workers who have retired due to illness or old age are also available.  As already stated the rights of cross-border workers, employed on a cross-border basis on exit day, will be protected. But it is unclear how others will access healthcare e.g. future cross-border workers or British citizens who have lost their EU citizenship.

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.