Update from British Embassy Madrid Health Team to highlight a few key points for your information:
The new portal is only open for S1 form holders and students who are living in Spain (or in another EU or EFTA country). We have had some feedback that some UK residents (swallows) have misinterpreted the information about the new portal, and they have understood that they are able to apply for the new EHIC. For people not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the future of reciprocal healthcare arrangements between the UK and EU – including EHIC – are subject to negotiations, which are currently ongoing.
S1 form holders can only apply for the new EHIC if they have registered the S1 form with the INSS. We understand that many S1 form holders are still struggling to get an appointment with the INSS, and we recently posted some information about this on our Facebook page. We want to reassure those that have been unable to register their S1 forms that this does not affect their entitlement to be covered for necessary care when travelling in EU and EFTA countries. S1 form holders who are on a short stay (e.g. holiday) in another EU/EFTA country can request a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) from the Overseas Healthcare Service if/when they needtreatment.
The portal will still be available for them to use once they have managed to register their S1 form with the INSS, even if that is after 31st Dec 2020.
Some S1 form holders are not aware they are entitled to a UK issued EHIC. S1 form holders are entitled to a UK issued EHIC once they have registered their S1 form with the INSS in Spain. The UK issued EHIC is valid for use should they travel to another EU or EFTA country and will cover the holder for any medically necessary care when on a temporary stay (e.g. holiday).
