Anyone who has been living in Germany since before 1 January 2021, is working in the UK and is registered with a German statutory health insurance fund based on the Portable Document S1 can continue to receive benefits with this document in Germany in the event of sickness and need for long-term care. You remain subject to UK legislation. If you need medical care during a holiday in an EU member state, you can use your new European Health Insurance Card (CR-EHIC) or Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which you must apply for from the competent UK institution.
- Example: You have been living in Germany since 2018, are working in the UK and are therefore subject to UK legislation. In order to register with a German health insurance fund, the competent UK institution has given you what is known as the Portable Document S1. Your living and working situation will not change after 31 December 2020. You would like to go on holiday in France in February 2021.
- Result: You can continue to be registered with the German health insurance fund after 1 January 2021 based on the Portable Document S1 and receive benefits in kind in Germany in the event of sickness and need for long-term care. During your holiday in France, you can use your new Citizens' Rights-European Health Insurance Card (CR EHIC) or, if necessary, a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which you must apply for from the competent UK institution in order to receive medically necessary treatment.
- Example: You have been living in Germany since 2018, are working in the UK and are therefore subject to UK legislation. In Germany, you are registered with a German health insurance fund based on the Portable Document S1. You will reach retirement age for the UK's statutory pension in 2022.
- Result: If you receive a UK pension while you continue to live in Germany, you are considered to be a pensioner and no longer a "worker". You are still subject to the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement and can continue to receive benefits with the Portable Document S1.
Anyone who has been living in Germany since after 31 December 2020 and is employed in the UK can claim sickness benefits in Germany with the Portable Document S1. However, long-term care benefits are no longer covered and therefore cannot be received as assistance in the form of benefits in kind. You are still subject to UK legislation. If you need medical care while on holiday in an EU member state, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), which you will receive from your UK institution.