Accessing The UK NHS For Expats In Spain

When you're a British expat living in Spain, returning to the UK is often a time to catch up with friends and family, sort out personal affairs, and revisit familiar places. Hopefully, you won’t need medical treatment during your visit, but it’s wise to know your rights and options if you do.

Accessing NHS Healthcare in 2025

Since Brexit, UK nationals living abroad no longer have automatic entitlement to free NHS healthcare during temporary visits. However, there are exceptions depending on your residency status and documentation. It’s essential to be prepared, especially if you're a pensioner or have ongoing health conditions.

Note: If you currently have Sanitas private health insurance, you already have international health coverage up to 12,000 Euros per person, per claim while travelling abroad. Plus, a free 24-hour English-speaking helpline is available for urgent assistance. Learn more about our travel assistance services.

State Pensioners and S1 Holders

If you are a UK state pensioner with a registered S1 form from Spain, you are entitled to receive NHS treatment when visiting the UK. You can access both primary care (GP services) and secondary care (hospital treatment and A&E) on the same terms as a UK resident.

To access services, you may need to show proof of your S1 registration. Always carry your National Insurance number and ask the healthcare provider to verify your eligibility via the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (call 0191 218 1999).

Prescription charges apply in England, but you will be eligible for the same exemptions as a resident (for example, if you are over 60, pregnant, or have certain medical conditions).

Posted Workers

UK nationals working temporarily in Spain under a posted worker arrangement (holding an S1 form issued by HMRC) also retain NHS access during short stays. Present your National Insurance number at the point of care and request verification via the Overseas Healthcare Team if needed.

Workers Covered by Spanish Social Security

If you contribute to Spanish social security, your Spain-issued EHIC (Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea) or the new GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) grants you access to medically necessary healthcare during short visits to the UK. This covers treatments that cannot wait until you return to Spain.

Bring your Spain-issued EHIC or GHIC and present it when seeking treatment. Prescription costs will align with UK resident rules, including any applicable exemptions.

Early Retirees and Non-S1 Holders

If you are an early retiree without an S1 form or are not registered for healthcare coverage via Spain, you must either:

• Take out private health insurance that covers healthcare while visiting the UK, or
• Be prepared to pay for NHS services at the point of use.

If you have a Sanitas health plan, you already benefit from extensive international coverage including GP visits, hospital care, and emergency treatments abroad.

Special Notes on NHS Eligibility

Due to the residency-based nature of the NHS, UK nationals who live abroad may lose automatic access to free care. However, you are entitled to free NHS treatment if you can provide:

• A valid UK-issued S1 certificate,
• A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by Spain,
• A Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) issued by Spanish authorities, or
• An S2 form for pre-approved treatment.

Other groups exempt from NHS charges include war pensioners, serving UK government employees, and UK nationals who were living in the EU before December 31, 2020, with a registered UK-issued S1.

Need Private Healthcare Support While Visiting the UK?

With a Sanitas private insurance policy, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your health needs are covered — from urgent GP visits to hospital stays and emergency dental care. Plus, our 24-hour English-speaking helpline ensures you have support whenever you need it. Learn more about travel assistance benefits.