Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, asked the Prime Minister about the future of the European Health Insurance Card if Britain votes to leave the EU. Millions of Britons benefit from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) every year. It allows British people on holiday or working abroad to access European health services. One of those who benefited from the Insurance Card was Emma’s mom who was diagnosed with cancer while on holiday in France in 2013.

Speaking in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions, Emma said:

“Three years ago whilst on holiday in France, my mother fell seriously ill. Thanks to the French health service she received excellent treatment and was diagnosed with cancer. She has now recovered and is doing well.

“Millions of Brits go on holiday to other European countries every year and like my mom benefit from the European Health Insurance Card. What will happen to the card if we vote to leave the EU?”

In response, the Prime Minister said:

“This is one of the benefits of our EU membership that many people make use of. It is for those in favour of leaving to explain what would happen to that system if we left.”

Speaking afterwards, Emma said:

“Thanks to my mom’s European Health Insurance Card, she received fantastic care from the French health service. They quickly diagnosed her cancer.”

“Without the European Health Insurance Card, my mom would have waited longer for a diagnosis. Instead, she was able to start treatment once she returned to the UK and received excellent care from the NHS. The treatment she received in France and the UK has helped her to recover from cancer. I am deeply concerned that if we vote to leave the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card will be at risk. British people who travel to other European countries might not get the treatment that they need.”

Or to view the clip on the Parliament Live website click here.