After Brexit, UK citizens residing or working in EU countries, such as Poland, must meet certain requirements to access healthcare. Three key documents facilitate access to treatment: the S1 form, the S2 form, and the EHIC/GHIC card. In this article, we will explain what these documents are, who can apply for them, and how to use them in practice.
1. S1 Form: Access to Healthcare in the Country of Residence
The S1 form allows UK citizens to access healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as local residents. It is particularly useful for individuals who have permanently moved to an EU country but are still linked to the UK’s healthcare system.
Who can receive the S1 form? The S1 form is available to:
- UK retirees living in an EU country;
- Employees posted by UK employers to work in the EU;
- Individuals receiving exportable benefits from the UK (e.g., disability pensions).
Once you receive the S1 form, it must be registered with the local health authority in the country of residence (e.g., in Poland, this is with the National Health Fund, NFZ). After registration, the beneficiary is entitled to full healthcare in their country of residence and can use the UK EHIC card when traveling to other EU countries.
2. S2 Form: Planned Treatment in EU Countries
The S2 form (formerly E112) allows access to planned medical treatment in another EU country when the treatment is available in the UK NHS, but the waiting time is too long.
When is the S2 form used? The S2 form is used in cases such as:
- When a patient requires specialist treatment that cannot be provided in time in the UK;
- The treatment must be available within the public healthcare system in the country where the patient is traveling.
How does it work? The NHS covers the treatment costs based on the tariffs in the country where the treatment is provided. To use the S2 program, prior approval from the NHS is required, which involves submitting a detailed treatment plan and confirming the medical necessity of the treatment.
3. EHIC/GHIC Card: Emergency Healthcare
The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) and its newer version, the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), provide access to necessary healthcare during temporary stays in EU countries. This is especially important in the case of emergencies or unforeseen medical treatment.
Who can apply for EHIC/GHIC?
- The EHIC card is available to those who were living in the EU before January 1, 2021, and family members of S1 holders.
- The GHIC card is available to all UK residents traveling to EU countries.
What does the EHIC/GHIC cover? The card provides emergency, necessary healthcare during temporary stays in EU countries on the same terms as residents of that country. However, the card does not replace travel insurance, which is still recommended in case of additional costs, such as medical transport.
4. Legal Basis
The legal framework for access to healthcare post-Brexit is as follows:
- The Withdrawal Agreement ensures the rights of those residing in the EU before December 31, 2020.
- Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 coordinates social security systems within the EU and governs the use of the S1 and S2 forms.
- The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) ensures continued coordination of social security systems between the UK and the EU, despite the UK no longer being an EU member state.
5. Practical Steps
To access these benefits:
- S1 Form: Contact us, and we will help you register the form with the local health insurer (e.g., NFZ in Poland).
- Planned Treatment (S2): Ensure your treatment is approved by the NHS before traveling.
- Emergency Treatment (EHIC/GHIC): Make sure you have a valid EHIC or GHIC before traveling to the EU.
Conclusion
Thanks to the S1, S2 forms, and the EHIC/GHIC card, UK residents can still access healthcare in Poland and other EU countries post-Brexit. It is essential to understand the rules, meet the requirements, and complete the necessary procedures before seeking medical treatment.
If you need assistance obtaining the S1, S2 forms, or EHIC, we are ready to help you prepare the necessary applications and direct them to the relevant health insurance systems in both Poland and the UK. Please contact us so we can assist you with all the formalities and ensure your access to healthcare services.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our expert and take advantage of professional assistance!
Your health is important to us!
kontakt@medicaladvisor.pl
+48 607 871 284
