If you are moving to an EU country or Switzerland, you might be entitled to healthcare paid for by the UK.
You can apply up to 90 days before you move overseas.
Information about who is entitled to healthcare in Switzerland.
If you moved to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland before 1 January 2021, you also may be entitled to healthcare paid for by the UK.
Your entitlement depends on whether you want to live abroad permanently or work outside the UK for a set period only.
You can get help within the European Union (EU) if you receive a UK State Pension or some other UK benefits. You will not be entitled to state-provided medical care paid for by the UK if you move outside the EU.
If you get a UK State Pension
If you move to an EU country or Switzerland and receive a UK State Pension, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK.
You can apply up to 90 days before your pension start date.
If you moved to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland before 1 January 2021 and receive a UK state pension, you also may be entitled to healthcare paid for by the UK.
To get help you must apply for a certificate of entitlement known as an 'S1 form'.
If you receive a UK State Pension and a pension from the country you have moved to, you may not get an S1 form. This is because the country you live in is responsible for your healthcare.
If you receive your UK State Pension as well as a pension from an EU country or Switzerland, but are now living in a different country, the country you paid contributions in for longest time may be responsible for your healthcare.
Apply by contacting our helpdesk or emailing us at S1applications@nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
If you're a Posted Worker
If you're a worker temporarily posted by a UK company to an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, you may be entitled to UK funded health care in the country you're posted to.
Find out more on the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) website.
Flight crew and those working on a vessel at sea can also check their entitlement by contacting HMRC.
Frontier worker
If you regularly commute to work in the UK or a crown dependency, you may be eligible for an S1. This will be for you and your dependants, if applicable.
Entitlement to an S1 is determined by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
If you receive benefits
If you've been living in an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021, and you receive another exportable benefit, you may also be entitled to an S1 form.
If you moved to an EU country or Switzerland on or after 1 January 2021 and receive an exportable benefit, you may be entitled to an S1 form.
Read more information on GOV.UK about claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad.
Using your S1 form
Your S1 will be issued by email if you’ve given one. The email will contain a link to our online portal for you to download your S1.
If you do not have an email address, your S1 will be issued by post.
Once issued, register the S1 form with the relevant authority in your country of residence.
Find out how to register your S1 on GOV.UK.
You'll be able to use your UK-issued EHIC or UK GHIC to access state-funded necessary medical treatment when you visit an eligible EU country.