Healthcare HMG

@Frankcollett

Yes, UK pensioners can get an S1 that allows them to get free (or nearly free) public healthcare in any EU country they relocate to.

I'm not sure there's a 4k limit, I'd imagine it will cover whatever treatment you need (as judged by your GP and the appropriate specialists).

To use your S1, you normally need to be a legal resident AND you need to follow whatever process is required to register/use your S1. I didn't do it in Spain, but I did in Bulgaria, and I'd imagine it's similar. I doubt your S1 form can be used as is (it's in English, apart from anything else).

In general, public health systems are separate from private hospitals, and it's unlikely your S1 / public cover will be useful in a private hospital.

You should also have a GP, and they should be able to help you navigate the system and give you referrals. Spain's system is similar to the NHS, so there a bureaucracy/process to follow, and you can't just rock up and expect them to jump to attention because the UK's sending them the big bucks. Sorry. :-)

https://www.ageinspain.org/post/your-he … rs-s1-form

@Frankcollett No the UK will not speed up your medical needs. It is up to the Spanish  Health Authority and the Doctor who is responsible  for your medical needs. It is not unusual to wait for several  months before getting treatment /results. You should go private, but this also has long waiting periods.