Holidaymakers unable to get their hands on an EHIC. Is Brexit to blame?

With a referendum result that has shocked many, the leave campaign, led by Boris Johnson, received 52% of the British votes, and the remain campaign, led by Prime Minister David Cameron, received a close 48% of the British votes.

Since voting to leave the EU in the referendum last Thursday, many holidaymakers applying for their EHIC’s (European Health Insurance Cards) have been informed that the application process is “currently unavailable.” Many unhappy holidaymakers believed this was a result of the referendum, while the NHS said it was most likely to be a technical malfunction rather than “anything to do with the referendum… It’s an unhappy coincidence.”

The card, which is free to apply for, allows Brits to receive state-funded or discounted health care in most countries across Europe.

With this year's summer holidays in full swing, the service has very high demand levels. However, those applying for their cards online were greeted with the following message: “Service unavailable - The European health insurance card (EHIC) service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Alternatively, you can apply by calling 0300 330 1350.”

The online service is now back up and running.

Published 28 Jun 2016

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