Health. S1 (formerly residual E106) for early retirees scrapped.

The UK Government has advised that as from the 1st of July 2014, applications for the residual S1 (formerly residual E106) for early retirees will no longer be accepted.

In what is seen as a cost-saving exercise, the UKs National Health Service will no longer reimburse another European state for health costs incurred by non-working Britons under pensionable age.

Residual S1 forms are currently issued to early retirees moving to another EEA country and not taking up employment, providing a temporary period of healthcare cover for a maximum period of up to 30 months, dependent upon the individuals recent national insurance contribution record in the UK.

The UK Government said that these payments are not required under EU law, so the UK is currently going over and above its European obligations.

The NHS advised that Before moving to live abroad, it is important that you check how the healthcare system works in that country and what your entitlement will be if you intend not to work, as this varies from country to country. This means that you will have to access that countrys health system under their rules.

If you are moving abroad on a permanent basis, you will no longer be entitled to medical treatment in the UK under normal NHS rules. This is because the NHS is a residence-based healthcare system. Most people will also not be entitled to use a UK-issued EHIC card to access healthcare abroad, the NHS said.

If you already have a residual S1 this will not affect you  it will continue to be valid, but only until its original expiry date.

If on Malta and self sufficient then one has to apply for RHA cover and/or private insurance.

If you are a UK state pensioner this will not affect you  S1 forms will still be issued to state pensioners, the NHS said.

The UK Government has also said that it will stop issuing payments in respect of a claim for reimbursement of patient contribution, also known as a co-payment, for the UK issued EHIC. From July 1 2014 you will no longer be able to claim a reimbursement of these co-payments in the UK for treatment received after that date.

These payments are typically for such things as GP or dentist consultations, prescriptions, or stays in hospital.

The NHS said that you may still be able to claim reimbursements for any co-payments you make for treatment received abroad before July 1 2014.