There are different ways to ensure you’re covered for healthcare in Spain, but the main ways are by paying social security, either if you’re working or if you’re self-employed.
But what if you are retired, earning a UK state pension are not paying into the Spanish social security system?
If you fall into this category, you can apply for the S1 form, in order for your health care to be covered, without having to get private insurance.
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What is the S1 form?
The S1 form is essentially proof of entitlement to health cover in Spain, which is funded by the UK government.
The healthcare certificate entitles you and any dependents to healthcare in another EU country, on the same basis as Spanish citizens. It’s only available to those who are non-UK residents.
Who is eligible?
If you’re a Spanish resident, but a UK state pensioner and have already started receiving your pension, you may be eligible for the S1. This is the main group of people who qualify, however, there are a few others, read on to find out more.
- Frontier workers - where you work in one country but live in another. You should contact the HMRC to find out if you’re eligible this way.
- Flight attendants - You may also be entitled to the S1 form if you’re a flight attendant or work on a ship at sea, under certain circumstances.
- If you've been living in Spain since before January 1st 2021 and you receive contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or some other exportable benefits, you may also be entitled to an S1 form.
If you receive both a pension from Spain and the UK, you will not be eligible for the S1 form. If you receive a pension from another EU member state, as well as your UK pension, and are now living in Spain, the country where you paid contributions for the longest will be responsible for your healthcare coverage.
If you are eligible, you can also fill out a separate S1 form for any of your dependants, if they are not eligible for public health cover in Spain any other way.
How to apply for the S1 form?
If you have a UK state pension, you can get an S1 application form by calling the Overseas Healthcare Services, which is part of the NHS Business Services Authority.
The number to call is +44 (0)191 218 1999 and you can call anytime Monday to Friday 8am-6pm or Saturday from 9am-3pm (UK time).
You can also e-mail: s1applications@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
When to apply?
You can apply for the S1 form up to 90 days before moving to Spain.
For the S1 form to be issued, however, you will need to have a postal address in Spain. It can be a temporary address, but you must inform the NHS Business Services Authority to let them know your new permanent address at a later date.
What to do once you have your S1 form?
When you have your S1 form from the NHS, you must register it at your local INSS social security office in Spain. You can also register via the online INSS website here.
The INSS will then give you a social security number and certificate, which you can take to your local health centre and apply for a health card.
You will also need other documents to get your health card, including ID cards, residency certificates, and padrón certificate. Read more on how to apply for your public health care card in Spain, which explains all the details.
Ensure that you still keep your S1 form, however, as you can also use it to access health care back in the UK when you go and visit, if need be.
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