THE British government has said it will fund healthcare for UK nationals living in the EU for six months after Brexit.
In a statement, it said people already living in the EU who have their healthcare funded by the UK, including pensioners and students, will have their healthcare costs covered for six months if a deal is not struck by October 31.
"The UK government has proposed to each EU member state that, if we leave without a deal, existing healthcare arrangements should continue until 31 December 2020 in the same way that they do now," the statement said.
"Discussions are ongoing, but if arrangements with all member states have not been finalised by 31 October, health secretary Matt Hancock, has today confirmed the government will provide support to the 180,000 UK nationals living in the EU who currently have their healthcare costs paid for by the UK for a six month period following Brexit.
"This includes pensioners, students, those on disability benefits and UK workers temporarily posted in the EU.
"The government has also committed to covering the costs of UK nationals in the EU who are in the middle of treatment when we leave the EU for up to a year."
The Irish government has previously said it is willing to cover the cost of European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) for all citizens in Northern Ireland after a no-deal Brexit.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney said the cards would be available to everyone in Northern Ireland, not just those who hold an Irish passport.
