Medicines
Now that the BREXIT situation is clearer, well a little, the three main insulin manufacturers – Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi have confirmed that the previous arrangements are still in place. This means that they are keeping at least 16 weeks of additional stock. People should continue to get prescriptions and use their medicines in the normal way.
Pork insulin, which is made in the UK, will continue to be available as usual.
Devices
The government has said that the key medical technology companies have confirmed that they are in regular discussions with all the major companies who provide continuous glucose monitors (CGM), FreeStyle Libre, insulin pumps and blood glucose monitors and strips. The majority of tech companies have confirmed to the DHSC that they have alternative transport routes in place if disruption occurs and have built up buffer stocks.
During the 12-month implementation period, the UK will continue to stay aligned to EU law, and existing regulatory and customs procedures will remain in place. The government expect that supplies, including medicines and medical goods, will continue as usual.
Travel
If you are a UK national travelling to the EEA or Switzerland, you can continue to access healthcare as you do now until at least the end of the implementation period at the end of December 2020.
If you have an EHIC, this will be valid until the end of the implementation period.
More information about the EHIC card can be found at:
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/
