NHS Abroad
The NHS doesn't follow you overseas. Here's what stops, what the GHIC actually covers, and how to bridge the gap.
If you've spent decades paying National Insurance and using the NHS, this is the part that stings: the moment you leave the UK permanently, your NHS entitlement ends. You're no longer ordinarily resident, so you're no longer covered. The GHIC covers emergency tourist care in the EU — not routine treatment, not as a resident.
The good news: most destination countries have public healthcare systems that are as good as or better than the NHS — and you'll access them faster. The bad news: there's a gap between when you leave and when local coverage kicks in.
What stops at the border
🚫 Does NOT cover you abroad
- NHS GP and hospital services
- NHS prescriptions
- NHS dental treatment
- NHS mental health services
- GHIC: emergencies only, EU/EEA only
✅ What you keep
- NHS during UK visits (if need arises during visit)
- S1 form: pensioner healthcare in EU/EEA
- GHIC: emergency care during EU travel
- Your NI record (for state pension)
Bridging the gap
Expat health insurance
£80–£400/mo
Cigna Global, Bupa International, Aetna International. Comprehensive coverage designed for British expats. Pre-existing condition policies vary.
Local private insurance
£50–£150/mo
Buy in your destination country. Cheaper but may have language barriers. Sanitas (Spain), Médis (Portugal), MGEN (France).
Travel insurance (short-term)
£30–£100/mo
Adequate for the first 3–6 months. Not a long-term solution — won't cover pre-existing conditions.
Local public system
Free–£50/mo
Available after residency established. Immediate in Ireland (CTA). Waiting periods vary elsewhere.
❓ Common Questions
Does the NHS cover me if I move abroad?▾
No. Once you're no longer ordinarily resident in the UK, you lose NHS entitlement. You can still use the NHS during visits if your treatment need arises during the visit — but you can't fly back for a planned hip replacement and expect the NHS to pay.
What is the GHIC and does it replace the EHIC?▾
The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) replaced the EHIC for UK residents after Brexit. It covers medically necessary treatment during temporary stays in EU/EEA countries — meaning emergencies and conditions that can't wait until you return. It does NOT cover routine care, pre-existing conditions requiring treatment, or planned medical procedures. It's for tourists, not residents.
What is the S1 form?▾
The S1 form entitles UK state pensioners to access the public healthcare system in EU/EEA countries as if they were a local resident. Apply through NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (previously NHS BSA). You need to be drawing a UK state pension and be registered as resident in the EU country. It's one of the most valuable documents for British retirees moving to Europe.
How long does it take to get local healthcare coverage?▾
Varies by country. Ireland: immediate under CTA. Portugal: immediate with residence and NIF. Spain: immediate with social security registration (employment) or after visa approval (non-lucrative). France: 3 months of stable residence. Australia: with PR or under healthcare agreement. Dubai: private insurance only (mandatory). During any gap, use private or expat health insurance.
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