How to apply for the S1 document

The S1 document is issued to individuals residing in one European Economic Area (EEA) country while their healthcare benefits are covered by another EEA country.


The S1 scheme is commonly used by pensioners and posted workers who are living in a different Member State from the country responsible for their healthcare coverage.


Follow this information to obtain this service:



Description

The purpose of the S1 scheme is to grant access to national public healthcare services for persons residing in an EEA country other than their competent Member State.


Persons registered under the S1 scheme are entitled to healthcare services in the country where they reside, while healthcare costs remain covered by the competent EEA country responsible for their healthcare benefits.



What does the S1 entitle you to?

The S1 document entitles eligible persons to access public healthcare services in the country where they reside, according to the healthcare regulations of that Member State.


The healthcare costs are covered by the competent EEA country responsible for the applicant’s healthcare entitlement.



Who is eligible for the Service?

The S1 scheme applies to:

  1. Pensioners residing in one EEA country while receiving healthcare coverage from another EEA country, and their dependants
  2. Posted workers living in one EEA country while insured in another EEA country, and their dependants



Applying for the S1 document

Applicants may submit their application:

  1. In person at the Entitlement Unit offices in Malta or Gozo
  2. By email to [email protected]


Applicants should submit one of the following:

  1. An A1 form duly completed, processed and approved by the International Relations Unit, Social Security Department
  2. Proof of receiving a state pension
  3. Proof of payment of National Insurance contributions in Malta
  4. Any other supporting documentation that may be requested in specific cases


For information regarding the A1 document, applicants may refer to the relevant Social Security service.



Renewing the S1 document

The S1 document remains valid according to the dates specified on the supporting documentation submitted with the application.


Where applicable, applicants must:

  1. Apply for a new A1 document
  2. Forward the newly issued A1 document to the Entitlement Unit at [email protected]


Additional supporting documentation may be requested where necessary.



What are the Applicant’s obligations?

Applicants are required to:

  1. Provide accurate information.
  2. Submit all supporting documentation requested by the Entitlement Unit.
  3. Ensure applications are fully completed.


Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation will not be processed.


The Entitlement Unit should be informed of any change that may affect entitlement under the S1 scheme.



What will the Entitlement Unit provide in return?

The S1 document will be issued within five (5) working days from receipt of a complete application and all required supporting documentation.


Once registered, the S1 document will be sent through Electronic the Exchange of Social Security Information (EESSI) system to the institution in the Member State where the person resides.