- The S2 Scheme only covers planned treatment received in state public funded hospitals located within the EEA country. It does not apply to private hospitals or clinics.
- If you wish to receive treatment under the S2 Scheme, it must be for treatment that the NHS would offer to you in your current clinical situation.
Planned healthcare in Europe under the S2 Scheme
Most people receive their healthcare in the country where they live through their healthcare system. There may be times, however, when you would wish to seek the option to receive planned healthcare in another European Economic Area (EEA) country under the S2 Scheme.
If so, it is important to ensure that you are fully informed to enable you to make the right choices. The information below explains how you can access planned healthcare in EEA countries under the S2 Scheme.
The UK legislation covering the S2 scheme is the Healthcare (International Arrangements) (EU Exit) Regulations 2023, (regulation 8).
If so, it is important to ensure that you are fully informed to enable you to make the right choices. The information below explains how you can access planned healthcare in EEA countries under the S2 Scheme.
The UK legislation covering the S2 scheme is the Healthcare (International Arrangements) (EU Exit) Regulations 2023, (regulation 8).
It is important to note:
Where Do I Obtain Information About the S2 Scheme?
On NHS Inform you will find Travelling to Europe for planned healthcare (S2 scheme), containing information on the S2 Scheme and which countries are covered by the Scheme. It also contains the links to the application form and planned treatment S2 provider declaration form.
How do I apply?
After reading the information available on NHS Inform, if you wish to submit an S2 application, please complete the following documentation and send it to NHS Tayside at tay.ooarequests@nhs.scot. You can also contact this email address if you have any questions or would like advice before applying.
- completed S2 planned treatment application form (please note that the form refers to NHS England, however this is the correct form to use).
- proof of Tayside residency: one photographic identification, such as a driving licence, passport or Saltire Card (travel pass), along with a utility bill or council tax bill.
- signed Planned treatment S2 provider declaration form (please note that the form refers to NHS England, however this is the correct form to use).
What happens next?
NHS Tayside will review your S2 application:
If NHS Tayside supports your application we will:
The NHSBSA will send you your S2 certificate to you directly by email, as well as by mail to your home address in Tayside. You need to take the S2 certificate with you when you travel abroad to the hospital. It will be given to the hospital abroad. By doing so, the UK Government makes direct payments to the hospital abroad for your healthcare.
In the event NHS Tayside does not support your application, we will provide you with a written decision stating the reasons for rejection.
- your residency will be verified.
- your application form and signed provider declaration form will be reviewed to ensure that all relevant information has been provided.
- we will ensure that the treatment you will receive in an EEA country will be equivalent to what you would receive in the NHS under your clinical circumstances.
If NHS Tayside supports your application we will:
- prepare documentation for S2 funding and send this to the Overseas Healthcare Services Team at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), Newcastle for processing.
- confirm with you that we have applied for an S2 on your behalf.
The NHSBSA will send you your S2 certificate to you directly by email, as well as by mail to your home address in Tayside. You need to take the S2 certificate with you when you travel abroad to the hospital. It will be given to the hospital abroad. By doing so, the UK Government makes direct payments to the hospital abroad for your healthcare.
In the event NHS Tayside does not support your application, we will provide you with a written decision stating the reasons for rejection.
The following information is important to know when travelling for treatment authorised under the S2 Scheme:
- Choosing a hospital to travel to is your responsibility. NHS Tayside cannot help you find or recommend a hospital abroad.
- Under the S2 scheme, you will receive healthcare under the same funding arrangements as residents of the country you are travelling to. In some cases, you may be responsible for paying a portion of the healthcare costs yourself (sometimes called a co-payment). In case you need to claim back any co-payment from NHSBSA after returning home, please keep all receipts.
- It is your responsibility to pay for your own travel costs, travel insurance, food, and accommodation (if required). The NHS does not reimburse these costs.
- It is strongly advised that you obtain comprehensive medical insurance specifically covering travel for medical treatment. It is your responsibility to do this. Any additional costs incurred due to complications overseas, including unforeseen travel costs (e.g. air ambulance), will be your responsibility.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that the healthcare you receive abroad is compliant with the laws of the country that will provide your healthcare (and not with UK or Scottish legislation). It is not the responsibility of NHS Tayside to guarantee the quality or safety of any healthcare you may receive abroad. NHS Tayside is not responsible for any healthcare provided under the S2 scheme. Treatment outside of the United Kingdom is not covered by the NHS Clinical Negligence Scheme.
- Please make sure you also have a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to cover any emergency, state-funded healthcare. A GHIC card is free to obtain on the Government website. Get healthcare cover for travelling abroad - NHSBSA.
