Petition · past parliament
Commit to healthcare arrangements for British pensioners living in the EU
Closed
10,395 signatures
What the petition asks
British pensioners living in within the European Union (EU) could lose their right to free or low-cost healthcare when Britain leaves. We call upon the Government of the United Kingdom to commit to maintaining the current healthcare arrangements for British pensioners living in an EU country.
Whilst Britain is a Member State of the European Union (EU), British pensioners living in another EU country are entitled to the same healthcare as Nationals of the country in which they live. This is funded from the United Kingdom. Once Britain leaves the EU, this may change. We call upon the Government of the United Kingdom to make a commitment that the same or equivalent healthcare provision will be in place before Britain leaves the EU in order that there is no break in continuity of care.
Government response · 23 November 2016
During this negotiation we will seek to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people. However, it would be wrong to set out unilateral positions in advance of the negotiating process.
There has been no change to the rights and status of British citizens in the EU, or EU nationals in the UK as a result of the referendum. The Government recognises the challenges and fears of British nationals living in EU countries.
The Government is considering the positions and all options available with the aim of achieving the best outcome for British citizens. Nothing has yet been decided on the future of medical treatment in Europe for British pensioners once the UK leaves the EU.
The reciprocal rights and entitlements that will apply following the UK’s exit are subject to the wider negotiation on our future relationship with the EU. These negotiations have not yet begun so it is not possible to set out any positions in advance.
Department of Health
The Government is considering the positions and all options available with the aim of achieving the best outcome for British citizens. Nothing has yet been decided on the future of medical treatment in Europe for British pensioners once the UK leaves the EU.
The reciprocal rights and entitlements that will apply following the UK’s exit are subject to the wider negotiation on our future relationship with the EU. These negotiations have not yet begun so it is not possible to set out any positions in advance.
Department of Health
Timeline
| 15 Jul 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 12 Nov 2016 | Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response |
| 23 Nov 2016 | Government responded |
| 15 Jan 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
10,395
Status
Closed
Opened
15 Jul 2016
Closed
15 Jan 2017
Response
23 Nov 2016
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.