How to register an S1 form in Ireland (healthcare for EU pensioners)

What it is

An S1 form shows that another country pays for your healthcare while you live in Ireland. Pensioners use it most: if your state pension comes from another EU or EEA country or Switzerland, and you don't also get an Irish pension or work here, that country usually covers you. With your S1, the HSE (Health Service Executive) gives you a medical card, without checking your income.

Do you need this guide?

• State pension from another EU or EEA country or Switzerland? Yes.
• UK State Pension? Check gov.uk's Healthcare in Ireland page for your situation.
• Working in Ireland, or an Irish pension? No: you're covered under Irish rules, and a medical card is means-tested.

Before you start

You'll need:

• Your S1 form, from the country that pays your pension (ask its health insurance or pension body, ideally before you move).
• The HSE medical card application form for people from other EU countries.
• Your passport or EU identity card, your PPS number and proof of your address in Ireland.

Steps

1. Get your S1 from the country that pays your pension.
2. Fill in the HSE application form.
3. Send it with your S1 and copies of your documents to the HSE's medical card unit (PCRS), by email or post, as the form explains.
4. Receive your medical card, then register with a GP who takes medical card patients.

Cost

Applying is free.

Common pitfalls

• Applying for a means-tested medical card instead. With an S1, apply on the EU form: there's no means test.
• Asking Ireland for the S1. It comes from the country that pays your pension.
• Leaving Ireland. Tell the HSE and the country that issued your S1 when you move away.

When to ask a helper

Ask someone who registered an S1 in Ireland recently: they'll know how long the medical card took and which GPs near you take new medical card patients.