‘Worst case scenario’ Brexit could cost NHS £500m a year

A ‘worst case scenario’ Brexit where healthcare arrangements end between the UK and the EU could cost the NHS up to £500 million a year, the Brexit Health Alliance says.

The new publication, Maintaining reciprocal healthcare for patients after Brexit, has warned that travel insurance for visiting Europe could become unaffordable for British citizens with existing health problems, and additional pressure could be placed on an already stretched health service if British people abroad could no longer access reciprocal healthcare.

The alliance, which includes patient groups, charities, NHS bodies and medical research organisations, is urging Brexit negotiators on both sides to take steps to make sure this ‘worst case scenario’ does not occur.

It is calling for: straightforward and appropriate access to reciprocal healthcare for both UK and EU patients; making provisions if this is not possible for the planning and funding of healthcare for UK nationals currently in the EU and vice versa; and no increased burden for both UK and EU health providers if they are required to handle new, more complex administrative and funding processes, should current arrangements be discontinued.

Niall Dickson, co-chair of the Brexit Health Alliance, said: “Patients stand to lose out dramatically if UK nationals travelling to and living in the EU are no longer able to benefit from free healthcare and EU citizens will also lose out by not being able to get free healthcare here.

“This is simply not acceptable. We want to see a Brexit settlement that will allow existing or similar arrangements to continue to benefit patients and those who provide their care.”