Anyone insured in the UK who began their temporary stay (studies) in Germany before 1 January 2021 can receive medically necessary benefits until the end of their stay.
The following applies from 1 January 2021: Students who have their habitual residence in the UK and are studying in a Member State before the end of the transitional period will be issued with their own student EHIC. It can be limited for a certain period of time and by means of a country code for a certain country. Due to the new agreement, this is also to be accepted with a different country code in all member states. If an EHIC is not yet available, a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) must be applied for. To do this, you should contact the NHS Business Service Authority (NHSBSA).
- Example: You are insured in the UK and began your studies in Germany on 1 October 2020. Your studies will continue until 30 September 2023.
- Result: You can use your new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or, if necessary, a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which you must apply for from the competent UK institution in order to receive medically necessary treatment.
A stay for study purposes that was initially planned for a longer period is not considered to have ended if you go to other countries for a short period. Even after your return to Germany, you will still be subject to the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement.
- Example: During your studies in Germany from 1 October 2020 to 30 September 2023 you will stay in the UK for one month in March 2021 and then return to Germany.
- Result: Despite your short stay in the UK, you can use your new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or, if necessary, a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which you must apply for from the competent UK institution in order to receive medically necessary treatment, after your return until the end of your studies in Germany.
The obligation to have health and long-term care insurance during an internship in Germany depends on various factors. Compulsory insurance is generally governed by the legislation of the state in which the internship is carried out. However, this does not need to result in a higher-ranking obligation to have compulsory insurance in the state where the internship is carried out.
If UK law remains applicable for the period of an internship in Germany which began before 1 January 2021, there is an entitlement to benefits with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) for the duration of the internship. If German law is applicable, the EHIC or PRC issued by the competent UK institution cannot be used during an internship in Germany.
For stays for the purpose of study or an internship that begin on or after 1 January 2021, benefits can still be obtained via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). However, it is no longer possible to obtain benefits in kind for long-term care.