Following the UK’s exit of the EU, there is only one way to potentially get NHS funded healthcare in EEA Countries;

• S2 Scheme (formerly known as E112)

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.

Please note that the European Health Insurance Card (GHIC/EHIC) does not cover planned treatment but entitles the holder to receive necessary healthcare provided by the state during short-term travel in the EEA in the event of sudden illness or accident. Treatment is provided by the state (private treatment is not covered) on the same basis as for those that are ordinarily resident in the EEA country that is being visited.  However, the GHIC/EHIC does not replace the requirement to have adequate independent travel insurance with a health element.

View our patient leaflet: Seeking medical treatment in another EEA country

If you are an NHS Lanarkshire resident and you have decided to exercise your rights to seek medical treatment in another EEA country under the S2 route, you should fully complete a European Healthcare Application Form (If you live in Scotland, you should apply for the S2 scheme using the same as the one used for patients in NHS England) and submit it to NHS Lanarkshire Safehaven Office, Kirklands House, Fallside Road, Bothwell, G71 8BB or email to lan.safehaven@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk. For more information about the S2 Scheme visit NHS inform.

If you wish to travel to the European Economic Area (EEA) to receive addiction or rehabilitation services, under the terms of the European Cross-border Healthcare Directive, and be considered for reimbursement on your return, it is a condition that, at the very least, an assessment has been carried out by your local NHS addiction service before you travel.  The treatment you receive in another part of the EEA must be the same as or equivalent to the NHS treatment identified by that assessment as appropriate to address your particular medical requirements.  This applies equally if the addiction or rehabilitation service is to be provided by telemedicine.

The best way to be sure about your eligibility for reimbursement is to seek advice from your GP, who will be able to discuss your case with our local addiction teams.

Specific information about European Cross Border Healthcare policies and contacts within Scotland is available on the NHS inform website at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/health-rights#european-cross-border-healthcare

Specific information about European Cross Border Healthcare policies and contacts within Scotland is available on the NHS inform website at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/care-support-and-rights/health-rights#european-cross-border-healthcare