S1 form

Hi,

If you are entitled to the S1 healthcare cover then no, you don't need Private healthcare cover.

However,  if you want to move to Spain permanently you will need to apply for residency within the first month. To achieve your residency you will need to meet the income and healthcare requirements. Some healthcare authorities won't issue the S1 until you are a legal resident so in that case you may have to take a years private healthcare cover as part of the residency application. 

Steve 

Thanks. Your reply is really helpful. Much obliged. 

Hi amicdeb,

It's worth checking the terms for issue of your S1 with the Maltese health authorities.  Prior to Brexit, the UK issued S1s to their citizens up to 4 weeks in advance of them moving to Spain, which meant they could be used for residency applications, rather than having to buy private healthcare.  As an EU citizen, Spain requires you to submit your residency application within the first 90 days of moving here.

Kind regards,  

Kim

Thank you very much. I have already checked with the Maltese health authorities and they informed me that they can issue it as soon as I produced a document that we are receiving Social Services pensions and address in Spain so it shouldn't be a problem. What I am not sure about is if S1 entitles one to free prescriptions and medicines. Thanks once again

Hi amicdeb,

The S1 entitles you to receive State healthcare on the same basis as a Spanish citizen.  The cost of prescriptions depends on your income, but the banding has changed recently - this article from my tax advisors explains the detail:

http://www.abacotaxes.com/prescriptions-in-spain

Kind regards, 

Kim

Thanks. Much obliged 

In the Valencia region all prescriptions are free for pensioners. If you are below pension age you will pay a proportion of the cost depending upon your income.

Steve 

Thanks! I suppose you get a prescription from the health clinic, right? Would you need an appointment? 

Hi amicdeb,

When you have your S1, you need to register it in Spain with your local INSS (social security office).  They will give you a certificate which you need to take to your local Centro de Salud (health centre), where you'll be issued with a SIP (healthcare) card and assigned a GP.  You'll need to make an appointment to see the doctor.

Kind regards, 

Kim