Retiring in Europe from the UK: Will I Have Access to Healthcare?

Healthcare is one of the first questions that comes up when considering retirement abroad from the UK — and rightly so.

With Brexit, many Britons wonder: “Will I still be covered if I move to Italy, Greece, Spain or France?”

The good news? In many cases, yes — through something called the S1 form.

Let’s unpack how it works, who can get it, and what to do if you’re not eligible.

What Is the S1 Form?

The S1 form (formerly E121) allows UK pensioners retiring in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland to access public healthcare in their new country of residence, paid for by the UK.

Essentially, it transfers your UK healthcare rights abroad — giving you access to the local healthcare system as if you were a resident.

Who Is Eligible for the S1 Form?

You can usually apply for an S1 if you are:

• Receiving a UK State Pension

• Receiving certain exportable UK benefits (such as contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit)

• A dependent of someone who qualifies for an S1

If you retire early and haven’t started receiving your State Pension yet, you will not be eligible for the S1. In that case, you’ll need to arrange private health insurance or pay voluntary contributions into the public system of your new country until you reach pension age.

How to Apply for the S1 Form

1. Request the S1 from NHS Overseas Healthcare Services

   • Call +44 (0)191 218 1999

   • Or fill out the relevant form on the NHS website (search “NHS S1 form abroad”) or at this link.

   
   

2. Register it in your new country

   • Take your S1 form to the local health authority (for example, ASL in Italy, or EOPYY in Greece).

   • You’ll then receive a local health card or registration document that allows you to access healthcare like a local.

   
   

3. Timing matters

   • You can request your S1 up to 90 days before moving, but in practice, most retirees still need private health insurance during the first transition period.

   • Registration usually happens after you’ve settled and obtained local residence papers — not while you’re still on a short-term or tourist visa.

   
   

4. Keep your UK documents updated

   • Notify the NHS of any change of address or family circumstances.

   
   

Once registered, you’ll have the same rights and obligations as nationals — including access to doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions (usually with the same co-payment rules).

What About Private Healthcare?

Even with S1 coverage, many retirees choose private insurance for faster access, English-speaking doctors, or additional treatments.

Premiums are often lower than in the UK, especially in countries like Greece or Italy, where healthcare costs are moderate and private clinics are widespread.

If You’re Not Yet Eligible for an S1

If you plan to retire before reaching State Pension age, here are your options:

• Private Health Insurance — required for most visa applications.

• Local contributions — in some countries, you can voluntarily join the national system.

• Hybrid approach — use private insurance initially, then switch to S1 once you begin receiving your State Pension.

Planning ahead is key: requirements and costs vary significantly between countries.

If You Return to the UK — Temporarily or Permanently

Even if you’ve moved abroad, you may still need to visit or eventually return to the UK.

Here’s how healthcare access works depending on your situation:

• Temporary visits (e.g. holidays or family trips):

  If you are living abroad and registered with an S1 in another country, you’ll no longer automatically be entitled to free NHS care when visiting the UK.

  However, you can still receive emergency or immediately necessary treatment during a visit.

  Routine or planned care would need to be arranged privately or via your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), issued by your country of residence.

  
  

• Moving back permanently to the UK:

  Once you return to live in the UK on a permanent basis, you can re-register with a GP and regain full access to NHS services.

  You’ll need to inform NHS Overseas Healthcare Services that you’re no longer using your S1 abroad, so that your coverage transfers back to the UK system.

  
  

• Tip:

  Keep evidence of your UK return (such as proof of address or GP registration) — this may be required to restore NHS access without delays.

  
  

Country Guides: Healthcare in Italy and Greece

Healthcare systems can vary widely across Europe — even within the EU.

If you’re considering the Mediterranean, explore our detailed country guides to understand how healthcare access works in practice:

• 🇮🇹 Healthcare in Italy for Retirees – learn how foreign residents can register, typical costs, and the regional differences to be aware of.

• 🇬🇷 Healthcare in Greece for Retirees – find out how to access both public and private systems, and what to expect from coverage in islands and more remote areas.

Useful Resources

• NHS – Healthcare if you live abroad (S1 form)

• UK Government – Claiming benefits abroad

• GOV.UK – Living in the EU after Brexit

Bottom Line

The S1 form remains one of the most valuable benefits for UK retirees moving to Europe.

It ensures you’re covered by public healthcare, avoids double payments, and gives peace of mind when starting your new life abroad.

But don’t assume it’s automatic — apply early, confirm local registration procedures, and plan for any transition period if you retire before pension age.

Thinking of Retiring Abroad?

Healthcare is one of the key aspects to plan well in advance before moving abroad — but it’s not the only one.

From customs and taxation to driving and bringing pets, there are many details that people often discover too late.

If you want expert help planning your move, making sure you have all the right information at hand, and choosing your destination with confidence, reach out to us.

We’ll help you make sense of every step — so you can focus on enjoying the retirement you’ve worked for.