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How to Access UK-Funded Healthcare in Spain with the S1 Form



How to Download S1 Form for Spain: A Complete Guide




If you are moving to Spain from the UK and you want to access healthcare in your new country, you may need to download and register an S1 form. The S1 form is a document that entitles you to state-funded healthcare in Spain, paid for by the UK. It can also help you avoid paying social security contributions in both countries.


But what is the S1 form exactly, who can get it, and how do you apply for it? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to download and register your S1 form in Spain.




download s1 form for spain




What is the S1 Form and Why Do You Need It?




The S1 Form Explained




The S1 form (formerly known as E121 or E106) is a certificate of entitlement to healthcare in another European Union (EU) country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. It is issued by the Overseas Healthcare Services (OHS) of the NHS, and it proves that you are covered by the UK social security system.


The S1 form allows you to access healthcare in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish resident, without having to pay any fees or co-payments. It also covers your dependants, such as your spouse, children or siblings, if they live with you in Spain.


How to register your S1 form in Spain online


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S1 form Spain Convenio Especial: how to pay into the public health insurance scheme


S1 form Spain permanent residency: how to access healthcare after 5 years


S1 form Spain posted workers: how to get UK-funded healthcare if you're sent to Spain temporarily by your employer


S1 form Spain students: how to get healthcare if you're studying in Spain


S1 form Spain dependants: how to register your family members for healthcare


S1 form Spain NHS: how to contact the Overseas Healthcare Services for help


S1 form Spain GOV.UK: how to find official guidance and information


How to download S1 form for Spain from the NHS website


How to fill in S1 form for Spain correctly


How to submit S1 form for Spain online or in person


How long does it take to process S1 form for Spain


How to check the status of your S1 form for Spain application


How to renew or replace your S1 form for Spain if it expires or gets lost


How to cancel your S1 form for Spain if you move back to the UK or another country


How to use your S1 form for Spain to access healthcare services in Spain


How to use your S1 form for Spain to get treatment in the UK or other EU countries


How to claim a refund for healthcare costs in Spain with your S1 form


What are the advantages and disadvantages of using an S1 form for Spain


What are the alternatives to using an S1 form for Spain if you're not eligible or prefer private insurance


What are the common problems and challenges with using an S1 form for Spain and how to solve them


What are the best tips and advice for using an S1 form for Spain successfully


What are the latest news and updates on using an S1 form for Spain after Brexit


The Benefits of Having an S1 Form in Spain




Having an S1 form in Spain can bring you many benefits, such as:



  • You can access the public healthcare system in Spain, which is ranked among the best in the world. You can get free or low-cost medical services, such as primary care, hospital treatment, emergency care, prescriptions, dental care and more.



  • You can avoid paying social security contributions in both the UK and Spain, as long as you are not working or self-employed in Spain. This can save you money and hassle.



  • You can keep your UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for travel within the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. This means you can get emergency or necessary medical treatment when visiting these countries.



  • You can also apply for a Spanish EHIC card from the Spanish authorities, which can give you additional coverage when travelling outside of Spain.



Who is Eligible for the S1 Form?




UK State Pensioners and Other Beneficiaries




If you are a UK state pensioner living in Spain, you are eligible for an S1 form. You can apply for it up to 90 days before you move to Spain or after you have arrived. You will need to provide proof of your UK state pension and your address in Spain.


You may also be eligible for an S1 form if you receive any of these UK benefits:



  • Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance



  • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit



  • Bereavement Benefit



  • Widows Pension



  • War Pension



You will need to contact the OHS to check if you qualify and how to apply.


Posted Workers and Self-Employed Persons




If you are a worker temporarily posted by a UK company to Spain, or a self -employed person working in Spain for a UK company, you may be eligible for an S1 form. This means you can continue to pay social security contributions in the UK and access healthcare in Spain.


You will need to apply for an S1 form before you move to Spain, and provide evidence of your employment status and duration. You will also need to register with the Spanish social security system and get a social security number.


The S1 form for posted workers and self-employed persons is valid for a maximum of 2 years, or until your posting or contract ends, whichever is sooner. You will need to renew it if you extend your stay in Spain.


How to Apply for the S1 Form from the UK




Online Application




The easiest way to apply for an S1 form from the UK is online. You can use the online service of the OHS to submit your application and upload your supporting documents. You will need to create an account and provide your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, address, email and phone number.


You will also need to provide information about your eligibility, such as your UK state pension or benefit details, or your employment status and duration. You will need to upload copies of your proof of identity, such as your passport or driving licence, and proof of address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.


Once you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email and a reference number. You can use this number to track the progress of your application online. The OHS will process your application within 10 working days and send you your S1 form by post.


Phone Application




If you prefer to apply by phone, you can call the OHS on +44 (0)191 218 1999. You will need to have your personal details and eligibility information ready, as well as your proof of identity and address. The OHS will ask you some questions and fill out an application form on your behalf.


You will then need to send your supporting documents by post to the OHS address below:


Overseas Healthcare Services


NHS Business Services Authority


Bridge House


152 Pilgrim Street


Newcastle upon Tyne


NE1 6SN


United Kingdom


You should write your reference number on each document and keep copies for yourself. The OHS will process your application within 10 working days of receiving your documents and send you your S1 form by post.


Postal Application




If you prefer to apply by post, you can download and print an application form from the OHS website. You will need to fill out the form with your personal details and eligibility information, and sign and date it. You will also need to attach copies of your proof of identity and address.


You should then send your completed application form and supporting documents by post to the OHS address above. The OHS will process your application within 10 working days of receiving it and send you your S1 form by post.


How to Register Your S1 Form in Spain




Online Registration




If you have access to the internet, you can register your S1 form online with the Spanish authorities. You will need to visit the website of the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS), which is the Spanish social security agency. You will need to create an account and provide your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, address, email and phone number.


You will also need to provide information about your S1 form, such as the issuing country, the date of issue, the validity period and the reference number. You will need to upload a scanned copy of your S1 form and proof of identity, such as your passport or residence card.


Once you submit your registration, you will receive a confirmation email and a reference number. You can use this number to track the status of your registration online. The INSS will process your registration within 15 working days and send you a confirmation letter by post.


In-Person Registration




If you prefer to register in person, you can visit any local office of the INSS in Spain. You will need to bring your original S1 form and proof of identity, as well as copies of them. You may also need to bring proof of address, such as a rental contract or utility bill.


You should make an appointment online or by phone before you visit the INSS office. You can find the nearest office and contact details on the INSS website. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time and take a ticket from the machine.


You should then wait for your number to be called and go to the designated desk. You should then hand over your documents and explain that you want to register your S1 form. The INSS staff will check your documents and enter your details into the system.


You should then receive a confirmation letter and a temporary social security number. You will need to keep this letter and number safe, as they will allow you to access healthcare in Spain. The INSS will process your registration within 15 working days and send you a permanent social security number by post.


How to Access Healthcare in Spain with the S1 Form




Public Healthcare System




Once you have registered your S1 form with the INSS, you can access the public healthcare system in Spain. You will need to register with a local health centre (centro de salud) and choose a primary care doctor (médico de cabecera). You can find the nearest health centre and contact details on the website of the regional health service (servicio de salud).


You should make an appointment online or by phone before you visit the health centre. You should bring your confirmation letter, social security number, proof of identity and address, and your UK-issued EHIC or GHIC card. You should then fill out a registration form and show your documents to the staff. They will assign you a doctor and give you a health card (tarjeta sanitaria).


You should keep your health card safe, as it will allow you to access medical services in Spain. You can use it to book appointments, get prescriptions, access specialist care, get tests and treatments, and more. You can also use it to access emergency care at any hospital or health centre in Spain.


Private Healthcare Options




If you prefer to have more choice and flexibility in your healthcare, you may want to consider private healthcare options in Spain. You can either pay for private medical services out of pocket, or get a private health insurance policy that covers your needs.


There are many private healthcare providers in Spain, offering a range of services, such as primary care, specialist care, hospital treatment, dental care, optical care, physiotherapy, alternative medicine, and more. You can find and compare different providers online or by asking for recommendations from other expats.


If you decide to get a private health insurance policy, you should shop around and compare different plans and prices. You should also check what is included and excluded in the policy, such as pre-existing conditions, co-payments, waiting periods, coverage limits, and cancellation terms. You should also read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.


Some of the benefits of having private health insurance in Spain are:



  • You can access faster and more convenient medical services, without long waiting times or queues.



  • You can choose your own doctor, specialist, hospital or clinic, without being restricted by location or availability.



  • You can get more comprehensive and personalised care, tailored to your preferences and needs.



  • You can get access to more advanced technology and equipment, such as MRI scans, CT scans, X-rays, etc.



  • You can get more coverage for dental care, optical care, physiotherapy, alternative medicine, etc.



Conclusion




In conclusion, if you are moving to Spain from the UK and you want to access healthcare in your new country, you may need to download and register an S1 form. The S1 form is a document that entitles you to state-funded healthcare in Spain, paid for by the UK. It can also help you avoid paying social security contributions in both countries.


To get an S1 form, you need to be eligible for it based on your UK state pension or benefit status, or your employment status. You can apply for it online, by phone or by post from the OHS in the UK. You will then need to register it online or in person with the INSS in Spain.


With an S1 form, you can access the public healthcare system in Spain on the same basis as a Spanish resident. You can also keep your UK-issued EHIC or GHIC card for travel within the EU. Alternatively, you can opt for private healthcare options in Spain if you prefer more choice and flexibility.


FAQs




How long does it take to get an S1 form?




It usually takes about 10 working days for the OHS to process your application and send you your S1 form by post from the UK. However , it may take longer depending on the volume of applications and the availability of staff. You should apply for your S1 form as early as possible before you move to Spain.


How long does it take to register an S1 form?




It usually takes about 15 working days for the INSS to process your registration and send you your permanent social security number by post from Spain. However, it may take longer depending on the region and the office you visit. You should register your S1 form as soon as possible after you arrive in Spain.


How long is an S1 form valid for?




An S1 form is valid for as long as you are eligible for it based on your UK state pension or benefit status, or your employment status. However, you may need to renew it if there are any changes in your circumstances, such as moving to another address, changing your marital status, having a child, etc. You should contact the OHS and the INSS to inform them of any changes and update your details.


What if I lose or damage my S1 form?




If you lose or damage your S1 form, you should contact the OHS as soon as possible and request a replacement. You will need to provide your personal details and reference number, and explain what happened to your original S1 form. The OHS will send you a new S1 form by post within 10 working days.


What if I have a problem with my S1 form or healthcare in Spain?




If you have a problem with your S1 form or healthcare in Spain, you should contact the OHS or the INSS for assistance. They can help you with issues such as lost or stolen documents, incorrect or missing information, delayed or denied services, complaints or disputes, etc. You can find their contact details on their websites or on your confirmation letters. 44f88ac181


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