I’m trying to find out if you can have an S1 form from Uk after being in the Regime general for social payments in France and then on receiving an Uk state pension can my husband then opt out and apply for his health cover from the uk?
If you’re eligible for a pension in the country you’re living in then it’s my understanding you’re not eligible for an S1 from the UK. Even if you choose not to draw that French pension.
I know a few people who tried this in order to avoid paying prélèvements sociaux.
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Generally no. If you have worked here and contributed to social security here then this will become your Competent State and you will not be eligible for a S1. If you haven’t contributed enough to get a pension then some have managed to retain the UK as their competent state - but generally even a tiny two figure pension counts.
This may not be you, but there was a period before Brexit where people were advised to set up a small AE business that turned over very little just to get into French the health service very cheaply. What they weren’t told was the impact this would have on getting an S1 and potential exemptions from charges.
Looking at the S1 in reverse, My competent state is France as I I recieve a French pension so no S1.
My wife has her S1 as she has never worked here.
When we return to the UK in a few weeks as british passport holders we both still have a record of our NHS number last used in 2008. As my wife is already funded by the NHS via her S1 then no problem but what about me?
I presume my nationality will give me the right to rejoin the NHS without the need for an S1 from France.
I think I know the answer but you never know.
As long as you are “ordinarily resident” in the UK you can access the NHS. So just don’t be extraordinary!
Might help to seek out old UK NHS number or SS number to speed process.
I think the only caveat is that you’re not entitled to NHS treatment until back a few months. I looked into it when I was panicking that I might need to go back to the UK if I wasn’t in the French system in time for cancer treatment.
According to the following there isnt a waiting period?
If you are a UK national living abroad and are returning to live in the UK, you will be able to use the NHS for your healthcare.
You will need to complete a GMS1 form to register with a GP near your home. See how to register with a GP practice
Prove you are eligible for free healthcare
The first time you have treatment anywhere in the NHS you will need to bring proof that you are eligible for free healthcare. You should bring at least 2 of the following documents.
Residence in the UK, which includes:
- proof of your purchase of property or a tenancy agreement
- recent utility or council tax bill payment
- UK bank account showing recent UK activity
Employment status, which includes:
- payslip or letter from employer
- bank statement
- unique tax reference number
- documentation from your local job centre to show that you are receiving job-seekers allowance
You can also use documents that prove you no longer live abroad. For example, paperwork to show that you have:
- sold or rented your house in your previous country of residence
- terminated employment or studies in your previous country of residence
- shipped goods or transferred assets to the UK
- ended insurance policies and utility contracts
If you have an Art 50 Brexit card and an S1, then you are automatically allowed to use the NHS free of charge whilst in the UK I think ? I wonder how the above affect this right 
But John is exiting France definitively so should hand his card back I believe, and the S1 is only valid at the foreign address. But since there’s no issue with be covered by NHS then no need to to try to use them anyway.
That’s really why I was asking. I think JohnBoy has already said he doesn’t have an S1 whereas his wife does. So, would they be treated differently because of the difference or will it be a clean slate for his wife.
Good news then. I’m sure I saw something to that effect on the NHS website. I couldn’t find anything similar on NHS Scotland so thought I was quids in.
I’m glad to be wrong.
I’m guessing it depends on where your GP’s practice is, in our rural area, we were asked for no proof of permanent address or anything else for that matter. We just filled in the forms, we had our medical records supplied by our French MT and I offered them, the receptionist looked at them, frowned and said , “ oh they’re in French”, hmmmm yes that’s because he is French! Needless to say they didn’t want them 
But they should have them! Little things, like several bouts of bronchitis for example, could prove an important part of a diagnosis in the future.
Coming the other way I translated the important bits in my notes, and then did a 1 page bullet point list in French. They only looked at the single page, but the rest was scanned into my notes.
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Yes, that is how I understand it, within 6 months I think.
I will hang on to my cv just until I am enrolled with UK practice and then surrender it.
It will be interesting times as having had a spinal injection recently to combat tingling lower legs the next step will be surgery to free up nerves around my lower spine.
That and probably a knee replacement in the next year ir so.
Some will say I should have waited jumping ship until those are sorted but there will always be something else.
With the NHS the media never praise them and simply focus on areas that are less than perfect. I certainly have nothing but praise for the French health service and many I have spoken to have no complaints about the NHS, we shall see.
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I had highlighted and translated anything important, but not interested, I honestly think someone returning from a foreign country was something outside their experience. I still have to remind people I wasn’t born in the area so have no idea who Bob is, ( I’m pretty sure every bloke is called either Bob, Andrew or David).
My sister has just had her knee replaced on the NHS in Scotland and it’s been fantastic, including the food.
The end of life treatment of my mother on the other hand was appalling.
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Make yourself aware of Cauda Equina syndrome!
Having had an IRM scan and 2 consultations with specialist the problem has been diagnosed but thanks for the heads up.