What Might Brexit Mean for British Tourists Travelling to the Rest of Europe?

Abstract

Brexit will have profound implications for British tourists visiting the rest of the European Union, in particular because of the likely loss of coverage of healthcare should they be injured or fall ill. This paper compares the cost of travel insurance within the EU and in comparable countries outside it, asking how it varies by age and pre-existing conditions. Fictitious patients, differing by age, pre-existing condition, and destination (France, an EU Member State; Israel and Canada, two high income non-EU frequent destinations) were entered into an insurance price comparison website to assess the in uence of these characteristics on prices quoted.Cost of travel insurance increases with age, pre-existing health conditions and by destination. In those with no pre-existing conditions, there is a marked difference between France, where the cost rises steadily with age, and Israel and Canada, where there is a sharp increase after age 75. For individuals with any one pre-existing condition, there is no similar jump in cost but rather a progressive increase with age, although the rate of increase accelerates as the individuals concerned get older. For all travellers, the cost of insurance is highest for Canada and lowest for France At present, pre-existing health conditions in British tourists travelling in the rest of the EU are covered by the European Health Insurance Card. With the UK's probable exit from the EU and almost certain loss of this coverage, travellers in the older age groups may have to pay much more for their travel insurance, with some possibly tempted to forgo travel insurance coverage because of the cost.It is essential that health professionals understand how leaving the EU may impact on those seeking their advice.

How will Brexit affect health services in the UK? An updated evaluation

“…This will have major consequences for older UK residents, especially if they have preexisting conditions, as insurance cover, which may not be available for those with the most severe conditions, could be extremely expensive. 19 Some other groups will be particularly affected, such as patients on dialysis who benefit from provisions that allow them to receive it in centres in other Member States. 20 It is also unclear what will happen to UK pensioners living in the EU27 who are in the middle of a course of treatment there and are no longer entitled to cover, who would be protected under the Withdrawal Agreement.…”

Role of tourist guide in Accessible Tourism (Tourism for special needs)

“…Not all elderly people are ill and confined to nursing homes. Arthritis the most common ailment that significantly impairs an elderly person's mobility 31 .Arthritis (joint inflammation) manifests itself in a variety of ways, with symptoms ranging from swelling, pain, and stiffness to irreversible joint shape changes. Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs may be required for older tourists with arthritis.…”

What does the UK-EU trade and cooperation agreement mean for health?

“…It had been expected that UK residents would lose the right to reciprocal healthcare across the EU 12. Fortunately, a social security protocol is providing some continuity.…”