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  • FAQ

    Last updated: January 3rd, 2024

    I am still waiting for a decision on my application to the EU Settlement Scheme. Why can’t I get an EHIC card?

    We are aware that the DHSC (Department for Health & Social Care) will not issue EHIC cards to people who do not yet have (pre-)settled status, even if those people have a Certificate or Application and can generate a share code. We wrote to the Home Office about this in April 2023, and received a reply in June 2023. You can read both the letters here.

    The Home Office reply states “It has been Department of Health and Social Care policy to provide a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to individuals with a valid pending application to the EUSS, rather than an EHIC card. PRCs offer exactly the same healthcare entitlements as an EHIC card and are a formal eligibility document under the Withdrawal Agreement (WA).

    This approach was introduced to avoid delays and to ensure that those with a valid pending EUSS application have access to necessary UK-funded healthcare, whilst ensuring value for money for the taxpayer by not providing coverage to people who are not entitled to it following a negative EUSS application outcome.

    The NHS has recently launched a new online application process which makes it more straightforward to access a PRC: Apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) - Get healthcare cover for travelling abroad - NHSBSA.”

    the3million believes this alternative approach is unsatisfactory, because a PRC can only be applied for once treatment is being received. It is not the same as having healthcare cover before you travel. This will affect many people who have been waiting for a very long time for a decision on their EU Settlement Scheme application (see the statistics page on our website).

    If this affects you, we would encourage you to:

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