S1 v Private Health Insurance

When applying for NLV an S1 is acceptable instead of private health insurance. The following link and paragraph 6 in particular, gives a full explanation:

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx

Both my wife and I have health cover using the S1 

You would use the S1 to register with a local GP  as part of the Spanish Health Service. So you would be getting a system similar to the NHS.With the exception that you may be expected to contribute to your prescription cost - it can be up to 10%, but is a complicated system depending on the cost of medication and how much income tax you pay. Generally for the first year it’s 10%. You also would generally need to pay for a translator for GP appointments if you are not fluent in Spanish medical terminology (approx10€)

With private healthcare you would visit a GP at a local clinic (there are loads around) and any hospital treatment is at the separate private hospitals. You would normally have to pay the full cost of any medication prescribed. Similar to the UK you would probably get seen quicker at a private hospital, but the waiting lists for the Spanish Health service are nowhere near the NHS.

Spain expect family and friends to provide aftercare for patients, so you can stay with someone in hospital whilst they are ill and  patients are generally discharged asap. 

You have to show proof of healthcare to obtain residency..

When the system changed after Brexit and you had to apply for a NLV then  initially S1 forms couldn’t be used to obtain a visa, but the system was altered so that you can now obtain an  S1 as long as you are going through the process of obtaining a visa prior to residency. You register your form after receiving your residency card. 

Most of us, if eligible use Spanish Healthcare,and if you did have a problem you know you could pay to get a second opinion from a private clinic a consultation would be approx 40€. 

Lynn

Yes you can use the S1 healthcare cover for your healthcare. You will get cover for all eventualities just as a Spanish resident. 

John123456 has provided a good link.

You must pre-register your S1 with the local INSS in the area you intend on living. 

Steve 

Hi Cathy and welcome to the forum,

Whoever told you that you can't use Form S1 for your Spanish residency application is incorrect.  This link includes contact details for applying for the S1:

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/moving-abroad/planning-your-healthcare/

Kind regards, 

Kim