If you want to give birth in another European Economic Area country or Switzerland, you will need an S2 guarantee form to cover the birth and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover any immediately necessary treatment that arises.
Generally, you should contact NHS England if you plan to have medical treatment in Europe. However, to apply for an S2 covering maternity care, you need to write to the Overseas Healthcare Team in Newcastle and explain why you want care outside the UK. You'll also need to include:
- a maternity certificate (MATB1) or a letter from your UK GP or midwife that states your expected date of delivery
- your NHS Number or National Insurance number
- your date of birth,
- full UK address
- dates of travel
Indicate whether you will be returning to the UK after you have given birth and whether you have already left the UK for the other country.
Fill in the Maternity S2 application form (docx, 37kb) and send it, together with your MATB1 and all other required documents, to the Overseas Healthcare Team.
Overseas Healthcare Team
Room MO401
Durham House
Washington
Tyne & Wear
England
NE38 7SF
Tel: 0191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)
It is recommended you have adequate travel insurance as the EHIC may not cover you for every situation.
Even if you plan to give birth in the UK and you're only going for a short trip abroad, you're advised to take a valid EHIC with you. The card will provide cover for all medical treatment linked to the birth if the baby is born unexpectedly.
Your health, your choices