EES launch : The truth about ‘medical insurance’ checks under recent EU border rules

The EU’s long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES) is finally set to launch on October 12, and for British travellers heading into Europe by Eurostar, the principles are about to vary. But even before the system has gone live, it’s already causing a stir.

Reports within the UK press suggested that passengers could soon be turned away on the border in the event that they can’t show proof of medical insurance. The claim sparked panic amongst would-be holidaymakers and business travellers. So, what’s really happening, and do you have to be frightened about getting caught out at St Pancras?

What actually changes with the brand new EES?

The EES has been years within the making and guarantees to modernise border checks for non-EU nationals – which now includes Brits post-Brexit.

Here’s how it’s going to work: if you arrive at London St Pancras International to board the Eurostar to Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam, you’ll must undergo recent electronic kiosks. These will:

• Scan your passport,
• Take biometric data like fingerprints and a facial scan,
• Record when and where you’re entering the Schengen zone.

On top of that, you’ll be asked a handful of straightforward questions before you possibly can proceed. They include whether you’ve got somewhere booked to remain, whether you’ve got a return ticket, if you’ve got enough money to cover your trip, and whether you’ve got insurance.

If you answer ‘no’ to any of them, the system will flag you for a manual check by French border police. And yes, they will refuse you entry for those who don’t meet the necessities.

According to Euronews, only business and premium class passengers will face these checks from 12 October, with a wider rollout covering everyone due in January 2026.

Medical insurance or travel insurance – which is it?

This is where things got messy. Early reports claimed that Eurostar passengers would wish medical insurance to get into France, sparking fears of a recent layer of red tape.

Eurostar has since stepped in to clear up the confusion, saying the wording got here from a translation error. What passengers really want is general travel insurance, not a particular medical-only policy.

A spokesperson admitted the English version of the questions shown on the kiosks was ‘provisional’ and still awaiting final confirmation from France’s Ministry of the Interior. In short, don’t expect the wording to be perfect from day one.

But then the UK government added to the uncertainty. Officials confirmed that travellers ‘could also be asked’ in the event that they have medical insurance at kiosks, but stressed that it isn’t a legal requirement to enter the EU. Instead, they “strongly recommend” that every one travellers buy comprehensive travel insurance that features medical cover, repatriation, and cancellation protection before heading abroad.

France’s rules muddy the waters further

Here’s the twist: while the EU itself doesn’t require proof of medical insurance, France technically does for third-country nationals.

The official French guidance says visitors must have an insurance certificate covering medical and hospital expenses, repatriation, and even costs within the event of death abroad.

In practice, though, this has rarely been enforced on the border. Most travellers heading to France have never been asked to indicate proof of medical insurance – however the launch of the EES could change that. With electronic systems flagging up certain requirements, French border police may now be more inclined to ascertain.

The same goes for the rule about return tickets. While Schengen rules only ask for proof of departure from the zone (which might be a flight to a different country, as an example), France insists on a booked return ticket.

What this implies for those who’re travelling by Eurostar

So, let’s cut through the noise. If you’re planning to hop on the Eurostar this autumn or beyond, here’s what you actually need to know:

• Expect to face extra questions on the kiosks at St Pancras about your accommodation, funds, return ticket, and insurance.
• Travel insurance is the requirement, not strictly medical insurance, but it surely’s best to get a policy that features each.
• You’re unlikely to be asked to indicate proof, but for those who are, having it could prevent from a ruined trip.
• The full system won’t affect standard class passengers until January 2026.

The headlines about compulsory medical insurance could have been exaggerated, however the safest move continues to be to travel with proper insurance in your back pocket. Not only does it keep you covered for unexpected emergencies abroad, but it surely also gives you peace of mind on the border if an officer decides to double-check your answers.

A recent travel reality for Brits

The arrival of the EES is just one other reminder that travel between the UK and EU has modified dramatically since Brexit. The days of waving your passport and strolling onto the Eurostar are long gone.

Instead, Brits should get used to longer waits, biometric scans, and being quizzed about their plans before setting foot in Europe. The medical insurance mix-up might need been the results of clumsy translation, but it surely’s a warning sign of the form of teething problems travellers can expect because the system rolls out.

So, for those who’re heading to Paris for a weekend break, Brussels for business, or Amsterdam for a city escape, don’t let the red tape catch you off guard. Pack your patience, keep your documents so as – and yes, buy that insurance.

Because while you may not need to indicate it, the day you do might be the day it saves you a fortune.

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