We’ve been a little distracted lately with the surprise of the COVID-19 pandemic filling the headlines in Portugal and across Europe. However, Brexit is still raising many questions for UK citizens in Portugal, including both holidaymakers, expats who live in the country and Brits planning to move to Portugal from abroad. One of the most asked questions is regarding healthcare for British expats and if Brits will still be able to access the Portuguese health service or be able to use their EHIC (European health insurance card) after Brexit. The Portuguese Government is however trying to find solutions: let’s have a look at what they are.
The Portuguese Socialist Government is considering continuing to provide subsidised medical care for British citizens even if no agreement is reached in this regard during the post-Brexit negotiations with the European Union. What would this mean for Brits as a consequence? The government is talking about what would be a kind of extension of the European health insurance card that applies only to EU member states, so that Brits in Portugal could continue to make use of to the National Health System across the border.
The main reason behind this possible measure from Portuguese MPs is in order to continue to encourage British tourists to make Portugal their destination of choice. This measure would potentially stem the flow of tourists from the United Kingdom, of which there are around 2 million every year, as Portugal fears that separation from the EU may have a negative economic impact, especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tourism is key
Tourism has become Portugal's main economic engine over the years and the country's financial stability highly depends on this income, now more than ever after COVID-19 when freedom of movement to and within Portugal was strictly limited. The Portuguese Executive, led by Antonio Costa, is therefore concerned about the losses that could be caused by a possible withdrawal of British visitors, especially in the Algarve region, where 1.2 million Brits arrive each year. And not only the Algarve would feel the effects: Madeira, Lisbon and Porto would also be seriously affected by the arrival of less British expats.
In a bid to minimise the impact of Brexit, the Portuguese Government is also planning to provide special British lanes at its main tourist airports in Faro and Funchal, in order to prevent UK citizens from getting stuck in the entry queues for non-EU passport holders, a measure that has already been introduced in other EU airports.
Finally, in a statement the Portuguese Tourism Minister, Rita Marques, explained that “no matter what happens, the Portuguese will always stand by the British because British travellers are very important to us.” As with all things Brexit, there is still an element of uncertainty, even more so in the current coronavirus world that we’re living in, and the Portuguese Government are yet to confirm these measures. However, UK citizens should also keep in mind that until the end of December 2020, nothing will change due to the transition period that has been implemented. You can keep up to date with all the Brexit news and latest developments affecting expats on idealista.
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