Brexit

The United Kingdom left the EU on 31 January 2020. The Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU entered into force on 1 February 2020. Due to transition provisions, the Patient Mobility Directive (2011/24/EU) applied until 31 December 2020. Benefits in the UK can no longer be claimed through a reimbursement of costs after 31 December 2020 on the basis of Directive 2011/24/EU. This does not apply to benefits that are applied for before 31 December 2020 but which are only approved or provided by the competent health insurance institution after 31 December 2020. Since 1 January 2021, however, insured persons in Germany can continue to claim the reimbursement of costs for specific treatment in the UK via the S2 form. Both the Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the EU and the UK (for transitional cases) and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement applicable to new cases from 1 January 2021 provide for this possibility. Additional information on this subject is available under the heading Brexit on the website of the "Deutsche Verbindungsstelle Krankenversicherung-Ausland" German Liaison Agency Health Insurance – International. If you have any questions on this subject, you are welcome to contact us by telephone for individual advice.