British Ehics still valid in France

Connexion checked the rules after it emerged that many travel insurance policies – which typically include a healthcare element – will be invalidated if you travel for a ‘non-essential’ reason at this time against Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice.

That advice, which can be checked on the official gov.uk website, is still showing a warning against all international travel, unless “essential”, today. This has been the advice now since March 17 however it is constantly kept under review.

The UK has never defined 'essential', but it would not include a holiday or a trip for pleasure to stay at a French second home.

Read more: EU launches new travel info site as borders begin to open

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will remain valid until the end of the year

Even so, official UK sources confirm that the free European Ehic card, which covers travellers for healthcare that becomes necessary during their trip – not including deliberate ‘health tourism’ or certain private healthcare facilities – will still be valid all this year on a reciprocal basis with the EU.

Those who are temporarily in an EU country such as France and did not bring an Ehic card can also call 0044 191 218 1999 to apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate, which provides the same cover. You will need to provide an email address or fax number for the establishment where you are receiving treatment in France.

Travel insurance policies sold in the UK at present factor in the Ehic and so mostly cover, with regard to health, additional matters such as treatment in certain private facilities, mountain rescue and repatriation costs.

Will we still be able to use the card after Brexit?

It is unclear if the Ehic will continue after this year.

Both the UK and EU have stated in their documents for the current negotiations that they wish to continue it, however, there are just over four months left to arrive at a comprehensive future relationship deal on wide-ranging matters.

Connexion notes that insurance companies and travel firms are continuing to sell travel insurance, ranging from annual policies to cover for a single trip.

Some travel insurers have clear information on their websites on the risk of invalidation if travelling against FCO advice but experience shows this is not always clearly flagged for example in an airline ticket purchase online. Even so, the firm does not know if your travel reason is ‘essential’ or whether or not the advice will change before your trip/s.

Some major travel insurers in the UK, including Axa, Churchill and Direct Line, are however offering pro-rata refunds to people who are not now going to travel due to the coronavirus pandemic and want to cancel their policies.

A spokeswoman for the Association of British Insurers said: "Insurers seek to make customers aware what policies will cover them for and if any exclusions are included”.

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