Healthcare is a key consideration for anyone planning to live abroad – especially as the most popular age for taking this step is 50-plus.
If you are going to have an extended period overseas, as a holiday home owner, retiree, digital nomad, worker or student, then expat insurance will cover you for private healthcare and international visa requirements.
Yes – visas: since Brexit we need to get one of those to spend more than 90 days in Europe but there have also been significant changes for UK expats, including alterations in their access to healthcare services within European countries.
Formerly, UK citizens could take advantage of reciprocal healthcare agreements with the EU that allowed access to healthcare services similar to the NHS in Europe. Post-Brexit, this has evolved, necessitating a reconsideration of healthcare options for UK expats.
HealthCare International Group (HCI) points out the three key points for UK citizens seeking medical care abroad.
1. End of NHS equivalent access
With the UK’s exit from the EU, UK citizens no longer have direct access to the equivalent of the NHS when in European countries. This includes a shift in access to routine healthcare services, specialist care, hospital treatments, and emergency care.
2. S1 Form
The S1 Form gives you the same healthcare cover as a resident of that country, with the UK remaining responsible for these costs. While UK citizens could access healthcare in EU nations using S1 forms before Brexit, these arrangements have either changed or been terminated. Now, British citizens of UK state pension age can apply for one as they are planning their move abroad and applying for a visa.
3. Requirement for health insurance
Private health insurance becomes a crucial option to bridge the gap left by the cessation of reciprocal healthcare agreements. Aside from the reassurance of accessing private healthcare on the continent, securing European visas requires proof of medical insurance.
HealthCare International Group specialises in covering UK expats living in Europe and our medical policies are designed to meet visa requirements. Note that travel insurance may not cover all medical expenses, especially for pre-existing conditions or long-term stays.
Here is a quick look at our top three most popular relocation destinations.
Spain
There are a different types of visas that you can apply for, depending on your situation.
For the two most popular types of visa, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and the Digital Nomad Visa, you must provide health insurance. There are policies on offer for up to six months that cover work (or study) rather than just standard travel insurance. However if you are of UK state pension age, you can apply for an S1 Form (see above).
France
If you’re planning to live, work, study, or seek permanent residency in France, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa. If your stay in the country is less than 90 days, you do not need a visa. However, if you plan on staying longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa in advance.
If you don't hold an S1 Form, you will need to provide private health insurance for the full duration of your long-stay visa and cover all medical expenses, including hospital costs.
You might consider top-up insurance, a mutuelle that is common in France. This will cover all or part of your medical costs that are not covered by state repayments, and for dental care, hearing or optician costs.
Portugal
Now the golden visa has ended, the Passive Income Visa (or D7) or Digital Nomad Visa (or D8) are the two most popular options for retirees or those planning to remote work in Portugal. There are two types of D8: the short-stay visa (for up to a year) and one for longer-term says where you apply for a residency permit.
You can initially have travel insurance that will cover at least €30,000 of medical emergencies and evacuation, but by the time you have your appointment at the Portuguese immigration office (SEF) you will need healthcare insurance. Once you have got a residency permit you can then apply to access the Portuguese national health service.
