The S2 (or E112) route entitles you to state-funded treatment in another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. Treatment will be provided under the same conditions of care and payment as for residents of that country. This could mean you have to pay a percentage of the costs personally.
For example, in some countries, patients cover 25% of the costs of their state-provided treatment, known as a "co-payment charge". The state covers the other 75%. If you received treatment under this healthcare system, you would be expected to pay the same co-payment charge as a patient from that country.
In some countries, as in the UK, care is completely free. This means the S2 (or E112) will cover 100% of the costs of your care, so you would not be required to pay any treatment costs upfront.
With this system, the NHS pays the same contribution as the country in which treatment is taking place. For example, for an operation that costs £8,000 of which you're expected to pay a standard patient co-payment charge of 25%, you will pay £2,000. The NHS will pay the remaining £6,000 to the institution treating you. However, you may be able to claim back some or all of the co-payment when you return to the UK.
How to apply
You will need to contact your local health commissioner and ask for a written agreement. The commissioner will decide whether to refer you to another member state for treatment. In making this decision, your local commissioner will need to be satisfied that:
- A UK NHS consultant has recommended in writing that you be treated in the other EEA country, and that a full clinical assessment has been carried out to demonstrate that the treatment will meet your specific needs.
- The costs of sending you abroad for treatment are justified. The health commissioner is responsible for spending money efficiently and fairly, in the interest of all the patients they look after.
- The treatment is available under the other country’s state health scheme.
- You're entitled to treatment under the NHS.
If your commissioner recommends that you can go abroad for treatment, the appropriate paperwork should be passed to the Overseas Healthcare Team in Newcastle. They will issue the S2 (or E112) form. You will need to take this form with you to the other member state where you go for treatment. For more information, call the Overseas Healthcare Team on 0191 218 1999.
