What is the S1 form and why do you need it?
If you are a UK citizen who is planning to move to an EU country or Switzerland, one of the most important things to consider is how you will access healthcare services in your new country. This is especially critical if you are at or approaching retirement age.
This is where the S1 form comes in handy. The S1 form is a certificate of entitlement for state healthcare paid for by the UK government. It allows you to access healthcare services in your new country on the same basis as a local resident. This means that you can benefit from free or reduced-cost medical treatment, depending on the rules of the country.
download s1 form
But what exactly is the S1 form, who can get it, and how do you apply for one? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will also give you some tips on how to save money on other healthcare costs abroad using Wise. So, let's get started!
How to apply for the S1 form from the UK
The first step to getting an S1 form is to check if you are eligible for one. You can get an S1 form if you meet one of the following criteria:
You are eligible for the UK state pension and you live in an EU country or Switzerland
You have been living in an EU country, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, or Liechtenstein before 1st January 2021 (the day after the UK left the EU) and you receive Employment Support Allowance
You are a mariner who works on a UK-registered ship and you live in an EU country or Switzerland
If you are eligible for an S1 form, you can apply for one from the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (OHS). Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Contact the NHS OHS
You can contact the NHS OHS by phone, email, or post. You can find their contact details . You will need to provide some information about yourself, such as your name, date of birth, National Insurance number, address, and details of your pension or benefit.
How to apply for s1 form online
S1 form for UK pensioners moving to EU
S1 form eligibility criteria and benefits
S1 form NHS Overseas Healthcare Services
S1 form and healthcare cover in Switzerland
S1 form and European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
S1 form and Brexit: what you need to know
S1 form and state pension entitlement abroad
S1 form and registering with local healthcare authority
S1 form and Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
S1 form and UK tax implications
S1 form and private health insurance options
S1 form and accessing healthcare in France
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Spain
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Germany
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Italy
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Portugal
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Greece
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Ireland
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Cyprus
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Malta
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Sweden
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Denmark
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Finland
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Norway
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Iceland
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Netherlands
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Belgium
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Luxembourg
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Austria
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Slovenia
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Croatia
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Bulgaria
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Romania
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Poland
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Czech Republic
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Slovakia
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Hungary
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Estonia
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Latvia
S1 form and accessing healthcare in Lithuania
What is the s1 form for UK citizens abroad?
How to renew or replace s1 form if lost or expired?
How to cancel s1 form if returning to UK?
How to change s1 form details if moving to another country?
How long does it take to get s1 form from NHS OHS?
How to contact NHS OHS for s1 form queries?
How to check s1 form status online?
How to download s1 form pdf from gov.uk website?
Step 2: Fill in the application form and send it by post or online
The NHS OHS will send you an application form (CA8454) that you need to fill in and return. You can also download the form . You will need to provide some more information about yourself and your family members who are moving with you. You will also need to include some supporting documents, such as copies of your passport, pension statement, or mariner's discharge book.
You can send your application form by post to the NHS OHS address or online through the .
Step 3: Receive your S1 form and register it with the local health authority in your new country
Once your application is processed, you will receive your S1 form by post. You will need to take it with you when you move to your new country. You will also need to register it with the local health authority in your new country as soon as possible. This will allow you to access healthcare services on the same terms as a local resident.
The registration process may vary depending on the country you are moving to. You may need to visit a local office, fill in a form, or show some proof of identity or residence. You can find more information about the registration process for each country .
How to use the S1 form to access healthcare abroad
Once you have registered your S1 form with the local health authority, you can use it to access healthcare services in your new country. However, you should be aware that the S1 form does not cover all types of healthcare services and that there may be some limitations or restrictions depending on the country.
Here are some general guidelines on how to use the S1 form to access healthcare abroad:
How the S1 form works in different EU countries and Switzerland
The S1 form allows you to access state healthcare services in any EU country and Switzerland on the same basis as a local resident. This means that you can benefit from free or reduced-cost medical treatment, depending on the rules of the country.
However, you should note that the S1 form does not cover private healthcare services or any treatment that is not medically necessary. You should also note that the level and quality of state healthcare services may vary from country to country and may not be the same as in the UK.
You can find more information about how the S1 form works in different EU countries and Switzerland .
Examples of healthcare services that are covered by the S1 form
The S1 form covers most types of healthcare services that are provided by the state health system in your new country. Some examples of these services are:
Primary care: visits to a general practitioner (GP), nurse, or dentist
Secondary care: referrals to a specialist, hospital, or clinic
Emergency care: ambulance, accident and emergency (A&E), or urgent care
Prescriptions: medicines that are prescribed by a doctor or dentist
Mental health care: counselling, therapy, or psychiatric treatment
Maternity care: antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care
Chronic care: treatment for long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or arthritis
Palliative care: end-of-life care for terminally ill patients
Rehabilitation care: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy
Dental care: check-ups, fillings, extractions, or dentures
Optical care: eye tests, glasses, or contact lenses
Hearing care: hearing tests, hearing aids, or cochlear implants
Preventive care: vaccinations, screenings, or health checks
Limitations or restrictions that may apply to the S1 form
While the S1 form covers most types of healthcare services that are provided by the state health system in your new country, there may be some limitations or restrictions that apply. Some examples of these limitations or restrictions are:
Copayments: some countries may charge you a small fee for certain healthcare services, such as prescriptions, dental care, or optical care. These fees are usually fixed and affordable and are not reimbursable by the UK government.
Prior authorization: some countries may require you to obtain prior authorization from the local health authority before accessing certain healthcare services, such as specialist referrals, hospital admissions, or expensive treatments. This is to ensure that the treatment is medically necessary and appropriate for your condition.
Limited coverage: some countries may not cover certain healthcare services that are covered by the UK government, such as fertility treatment, cosmetic surgery, or alternative medicine. You may have to pay for these services out of pocket or seek private insurance.
Different standards: some countries may have different standards of quality and safety for their healthcare services than the UK government. You may have to accept lower standards of care or seek private insurance if you are not satisfied with the state healthcare services.
You can find more information about the limitations or restrictions that may apply to the S1 form in each country .
How to renew or replace your S1 form
Your S1 form is valid for as long as you are eligible for it. However, you may need to renew or replace your S1 form in some situations. Here are some examples of when you may need to do so:
How to renew your S1 form
You may need to renew your S1 form if it expires or if your circumstances change. For example, if you receive a state pension, your S1 form will expire every five years and you will need to apply for a new one. Or, if you move to another EU country or Switzerland, you will need to apply for a new S1 form for that country.
To renew your S1 form, you will need to contact the NHS OHS and follow the same steps as when you applied for the first time. You will need to provide some information about yourself and your family members who are moving with you. You will also need to include some supporting documents, such as copies of your passport, pension statement, or mariner's discharge book.
You can find more information about how to renew your S1 form .
How to replace your S1 form
You may need to replace your S1 form if it is lost, stolen, or damaged. For example, if you lose your S1 form while travelling or if it gets torn or wet, you will need to get a new one.
To replace your S1 form, you will need to contact the NHS OHS and request a replacement. You will need to provide some information about yourself and your family members who are moving with you. You will also need to explain what happened to your original S1 form and when you noticed it was missing or damaged.
You can find more information about how to replace your S1 form .
How to save money on other healthcare costs abroad
While the S1 form can help you access state healthcare services in your new country, it may not cover all of your healthcare costs abroad. For example, you may still have to pay for private healthcare services, travel insurance, or medical emergencies. Or, you may have to pay for medical services or prescriptions in another currency and incur high fees and exchange rates.
Fortunately, there is a way to save money on these other healthcare costs abroad: Wise. Wise is a smart and simple solution for paying for medical services or prescriptions in other currencies. It allows you to send money abroad at the real exchange rate and with low fees. It also allows you to receive money from abroad without any hidden charges.
Here are some of the benefits of using Wise for your healthcare costs abroad:
Wise multi-currency account
With a Wise multi-currency account, you can hold and manage over 50 currencies in one place. You can also convert money between currencies whenever you need it at the real exchange rate and with low fees. This means that you can pay for medical services or prescriptions in the local currency of your new country without losing money on bad exchange rates or high fees.
Wise debit card
With a Wise debit card, you can spend money from your Wise multi-currency account anywhere in the world. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs at low fees and with no markups. This means that you can access cash for medical emergencies or pay for medical services or prescriptions with your card without worrying about extra charges or hidden fees.
Wise website and app
With the Wise website and app, you can manage your money online from anywhere in the world. You can also track your spending, check your balance, and get instant notifications on your phone. This means that you can stay on top of your healthcare costs abroad and avoid any surprises or overspending.
How to sign up for Wise
If you are interested in using Wise for your healthcare costs abroad, signing up is easy and fast. All you need to do is follow these steps:
Go to the and click on "Sign up"
Create an account with your email address and password
Verify your identity with a photo ID and a selfie
Add money to your account using a bank transfer, debit card, or credit card
Order your Wise debit card (optional but recommended)
Start using Wise for your healthcare costs abroad
It's that simple! You can sign up for Wise and get a free international transfer of up to 500.
Conclusion
Moving to an EU country or Switzerland can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with some challenges, especially when it comes to healthcare. That's why you need to get an S1 form before you move. The S1 form is a certificate of entitlement for state healthcare paid for by the UK government. It allows you to access healthcare services in your new country on the same basis as a local resident.
To get an S1 form, you need to check your eligibility, contact the NHS OHS, fill in the application form, and send it by post or online. You will then receive your S1 form and register it with the local health authority in your new country. You can then use your S1 form to access state healthcare services in your new country, depending on the rules and regulations of the country.
However, the S1 form may not cover all of your healthcare costs abroad. You may still have to pay for private healthcare services, travel insurance, or medical emergencies. Or, you may have to pay for medical services or prescriptions in another currency and incur high fees and exchange rates. That's why you should also consider using Wise for your healthcare costs abroad. Wise is a smart and simple solution for paying for medical services or prescriptions in other currencies. It allows you to send money abroad at the real exchange rate and with low fees. It also allows you to receive money from abroad without any hidden charges.
If you are interested in using Wise for your healthcare costs abroad, you can sign up and get a free international transfer of up to 500.
We hope this article has helped you understand what the S1 form is and how to apply for one. We also hope it has given you some tips on how to save money on other healthcare costs abroad using Wise. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Here are some answers to some common questions about the S1 form:
What is the difference between the S1 form and the EHIC?
The S1 form and the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are both certificates of entitlement for state healthcare paid for by the UK government. However, they have different purposes and eligibility criteria.
The S1 form is for UK citizens who are moving to an EU country or Switzerland permanently or for a long period of time. It allows them to access state healthcare services in their new country on the same basis as a local resident.
The EHIC is for UK citizens who are visiting an EU country or Switzerland temporarily, such as for holidays, business trips, or studying. It allows them to access state healthcare services in their destination country on the same basis as a local resident.
Can I use my S1 form in more than one country?
No, you can only use your S1 form in one country at a time. If you move to another EU country or Switzerland, you will need to apply for a new S1 form for that country. You will also need to cancel your previous S1 form with the NHS OHS and deregister it with the local health authority in your previous country.
Can I use my S1 form in non-EU countries?
No, you can only use your S1 form in EU countries and Switzerland. However, there are some exceptions for certain non-EU countries that have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK. These countries are:
Australia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kosovo
Montenegro
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Serbia
Turkey
If you are moving to one of these countries, you can apply for an S2 form instead of an S1 form. The S2 form works similarly to the S1 form, but it may have different eligibility criteria and coverage levels.
Do I need travel insurance if I have an S1 form?
Yes, it is still advisable to get travel insurance if you have an S1 form. This is because the S1 form does not cover all types of healthcare services and costs abroad. For example, it does not cover private healthcare services, repatriation costs, or medical emergencies that require air ambulance or evacuation.
Travel insurance can provide you with extra protection and peace of mind in case of unforeseen events or emergencies. It can also cover other aspects of your travel, such as cancellation, baggage, or personal liability.
However, you should make sure that your travel insurance policy is compatible with your S1 form and that it does not exclude any pre-existing medical conditions. You should also check the terms and conditions of your policy and compare different options before buying one.
Can I use Wise to pay for healthcare services abroad?
Yes, you can use Wise to pay for healthcare services abroad in a fast, easy, and cheap way. Wise allows you to send money abroad at the real exchange rate and with low fees. It also allows you to receive money from abroad without any hidden charges.
With Wise, you can pay for medical services or prescriptions in the local currency of your new country without losing money on bad exchange rates or high fees. You can also use your Wise debit card to pay for medical services or prescriptions with your card without worrying about extra charges or hidden fees.
Wise is a smart and simple solution for your healthcare costs abroad. You can sign up for Wise and get a free international transfer of up to 500.
This is the end of the article. I hope you enjoyed reading it and found it useful. Thank you for choosing me as your content writer. I look forward to working with you again in the future. 44f88ac181
Comments