UK Govt advice on health cover in Spain after a No Deal Brexit
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The government has proposed to EU member states to maintain the existing healthcare arrangements in a no-deal scenario. This offer will apply until December 2020 with the aim of minimising disruption to healthcare provision for UK nationals and EU and EFTA citizens. This means the UK government will continue to pay for healthcare costs for current or former UK residents who are living or working in or visiting the EU. The government wants to work with EU partners to reach such agreements.
But if countries do not agree to extend the existing healthcare arrangements, your access to healthcare in the EU may change and become like arrangements in the rest of the world. You are therefore strongly advised to review your access to healthcare. If your current arrangements end in the event of no deal, you should urgently take steps to prepare. This will differ according to the country you are living in.
Health insurance
You may need to buy healthcare insurance in the country you live in so you can receive the healthcare treatment you need.
S1 certificate (formerly known as E106)
An S1 certificate helps you and your dependents access free healthcare in the country where you live in the EU. If you have an S1 certificate, it may not be valid in the event of no deal, depending on decisions by and arrangements with your host state. You should go to the NHS website for the latest information on each country. You can continue to apply for an S1 certificate prior to a no-deal scenario. You may be eligible for an S1 certificate, if you:
- have worked and paid contributions in the UK
- receive some UK benefits such as pensions