If you’re a UK expat living in France and receiving a UK state pension, chances are you’ve heard whispers about the Form S1. Maybe someone mentioned it in a Facebook group, or it popped up in conversation over a baguette and a coffee. But what is it exactly? And more importantly, what does it mean for your spouse?
Let’s demystify the S1 form and give you the clear, practical information you need to navigate healthcare in France — whether you’re married, widowed, or just starting out with your new life abroad.
📝 What Is the S1 Form?
The S1 is a form issued by the UK government (through the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services) that proves you’re entitled to publicly funded healthcare in France — with the UK picking up the bill. It’s a key part of the post-Brexit healthcare agreement and is most commonly used by:
- UK state pensioners retiring to France
- Frontier workers (working in one country and living in another)
- Posted workers (sent abroad temporarily by a UK employer)
In this post, we’re focusing on retirees — those who receive a UK pension and live full-time in France.
With an S1, you can register with the French health system (via CPAM), receive your Carte Vitale, and get reimbursed for medical care — without having to pay French social charges.
💑 What If You’re Married?
Here’s where it gets interesting. If you qualify for an S1, your non-working spouse or partner may be able to benefit too as a dependent (ayant droit in French).
How It Works:
- Your spouse must not be employed or self-employed in France.
- They must not qualify for their own S1 (for example, they’re under pension age and not receiving a UK state pension).
- They live with you in France.
If all that checks out, your spouse can be added to your S1 as a dependent — giving them access to French healthcare under the same entitlement.
💡 Important: When applying, be sure to request that your spouse be included on your S1 form. You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as your marriage certificate and proof of residency in France.
💳 Do You Both Get a Carte Vitale?
Yes! Once registered with CPAM, both of you will receive your own Carte Vitale — the green-and-gold French health insurance card. It’s linked to the same S1 but allows each of you to manage your healthcare individually.
💔 What Happens If Your Spouse Passes Away?
It’s a tough topic, but an important one.
If you’re covered as a dependent on your spouse’s S1 and they pass away, your healthcare coverage via that S1 ends.
Your options at that point include:
- Applying for your own S1, if you’re now eligible (e.g., you begin receiving a UK state pension).
- Registering with CPAM through PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie), which allows access to healthcare based on residency.
- Taking out a mutuelle (private top-up insurance) to cover costs while your main coverage is being sorted.
Unfortunately, French admin doesn’t take a break for bereavement — so it’s wise to be prepared and know your options.
💷 Do You Still Need a Mutuelle?
Short answer: yes.
The S1 allows you to access state healthcare, but it only covers around 70% of costs in most cases. The rest (consultation fees, hospital stays, glasses, dental, etc.) can be expensive. That’s where a mutuelle comes in — a top-up insurance that pays the remaining balance.
➡️ Some S1 holders assume everything is fully covered — it’s not. Without a mutuelle, you’ll likely face out-of-pocket costs.
🔄 What If You Move Back to the UK?
Your S1 is valid as long as you live in France. If you move back to the UK:
- Notify CPAM so they can deactivate your French coverage.
- Let the NHS know you’ve returned, and re-register for NHS services.
You can’t be covered in both systems at once — it’s one or the other.
🧾 How and Where to Get Your S1 Form
You’ll need to request the S1 form from:
NHS Overseas Healthcare Services (part of NHS Business Services Authority)
📞 +44 (0)191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday, UK hours)
🌐 NHS website – S1 form page
Once you receive the form, you’ll submit it to your local CPAM office in France, along with:
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Proof of address in France
- UK pension documentation
- Marriage certificate (if applying with a spouse)
💬 How Hello Santé Can Help
Let’s face it — trying to understand all this in French admin-speak is enough to make anyone need a nap.
That’s where Hello Santé comes in.
We can:
✅ Help you request your S1
✅ Guide you through the application with CPAM
✅ Make sure your spouse is correctly registered as a dependent
✅ Assist with Carte Vitale and Ameli setup
✅ Help if circumstances change — like a move, bereavement, or new pension entitlement
✅ Provide friendly, English-speaking support whenever you need it
✨ Final Thoughts
Healthcare in France is fantastic — once you’re properly registered. The S1 form is your golden ticket to accessing that care, without paying into the French system. And if you’re married, it’s vital to make sure both of you are correctly covered.
If you need help navigating the process, understanding your rights, or even just figuring out which form goes where, we’re here for you.
📩 Get in touch with Hello Santé — and let’s make healthcare in France simple, together.