I am a pensioner retiring abroad. I have been given the S1 form – but I cannot get the same healthcare services I am used to at home in my new country of residence. Should that be the case?

You will receive treatment as if you were insured in your new country of residence, under the same conditions as nationals there. However, that does not necessarily mean you will have access to exactly the same services as in your home country. Healthcare services differ significantly across the EU, as each country decides its healthcare system. Make sure you contact the relevant national authorities before moving abroad to ask for information about your rights and obligations in your new country of residence.

If you travel to other countries or the country which you remain subject to, you can use an EHIC to receive any medical treatment that becomes medically necessary during your stay there.