As a UK resident in Spain, Brexit has been surrounded with a sea of uncertain questions. But this week, the UK Prime Minister Theresa May has laid out the country’s post-Brexit offer to EU nationals living in the UK.
In her speech to the British Parliament, pledges were made on pensions and health for British nationals living in Spain and other EU countries. So what was said in the pledge?
– The British government will continue uprating pensions, meaning they will not be frozen as they are for elderly British nationals living in countries like Canada and Australia.
– Payment of disability benefits and health cover would continue for Brits in the EU after Brexit. May told parliament that “We will continue to protect the export of other benefits and associated healthcare cover where the individual is in receipt of those benefits cut-off date.” (This cut-off date has not yet been decided)
– The UK intends to continue to be a part of the European Health Insurance Card Scheme, so those Brits travelling to other EU countries can continue to have health costs covered. For longer-term residents; the system whereby each country reimburses the other for the healthcare of citizens will continue.
– All EU nationals have five years’ continuous residence in the UK will be eligible to apply for “settled status” – this includes healthcare, education and welfare rights.
Negotiations will continue and here at UK Spain Life we will ensure we bring you all the latest information so you don’t have to worry.