Question
How does it work if you have a Spain Non Lucrative Visa with S1 and you return to U.K. for a holiday and have a medical issue.
Answers
“The odds are the NHS won’t have a clue you have an S1.”
“You’re still covered by the NHS during your visit. The S1 transfers healthcare rights to Spain, but it doesn’t cancel your NHS access while in the UK as long as you’re a UK citizen.”
“I believe this is only correct if you were resident in Spain on or before 31 December 2020. If you became resident after that date, and have an S1, you lose entitlement to NHS treatment unless you have an EHIC.”
“This changed in 2024.”
“Since January 2024 if you have a S1 you still have full access to the NHS. Like Viviana said you must still be a UK citizen.”
“When I applied for my S1 I was told when in UK you can only use A&E emergency.”
“It will have to be a long holiday to get treatment on NHS.”
“Until you reach retirement age and have an S1 you will be required to pay for treatment so will need travel insurance as you no longer have entitlement to NHS as this is residency based healthcare unless you left the UK under the withdrawal agreement.”
Conclusion
Community members provided a mix of experiences and updated information regarding Spain Non Lucrative Visa holders with an S1 who return to the UK temporarily.
The most up-to-date guidance, reflected by multiple contributors, is that as of January 2024, if you are a UK citizen with a registered UK-issued S1 and live in an EU country like Spain, you are eligible to access the NHS during temporary visits to England—just like a UK resident. This means you do not have to pay for NHS treatment during short visits, including holidays.
However, this access does not apply to those who do not yet qualify for an S1, such as early retirees or working-age applicants. In those cases, NHS coverage is not guaranteed, and private travel insurance is advised.
Note that S1 access and rules may differ slightly between England and the devolved nations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), so it’s important to check region-specific guidelines
A few comments highlighted confusion due to outdated UK government pages. As clarified in the image provided by one member, NHS entitlement was restored in 2024 for S1 holders under specific criteria.
