How to Call NHS Overseas Healthcare Services From Abroad (S1, GHIC)
8/27/2026
Quick answer: For S1 form applications (healthcare cover for UK state pensioners living in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland), call +44 191 218 1999, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. For GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) or other overseas healthcare queries, call +44 191 283 3909, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 3pm.
Who this is actually for
This isn't the general NHS, it's the NHS Business Services Authority's Overseas Healthcare Services team, based in Newcastle. It handles the specific paperwork around getting healthcare abroad through the UK system: S1 forms (which entitle UK state pensioners living in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to state healthcare in their country of residence, paid for by the UK), GHIC cards (the post-Brexit replacement for EHIC, covering necessary treatment on a visit), and reimbursement for planned treatment abroad.
The verified numbers
| Service | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| S1 applications | +44 191 218 1999 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm |
| GHIC and other overseas healthcare queries | +44 191 283 3909 | Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm |
Source: NHSBSA's Overseas Healthcare Services contact page.
What to have ready before you call
- Your National Insurance number
- Your UK State Pension reference, if the call relates to an S1 application
- Your existing GHIC or EHIC number, if you're replacing or renewing one
- Details of the specific treatment or reimbursement claim, if applicable
Best time to call
The GHIC line runs the longest hours of the two, including Saturday mornings, useful if you're calling from a similar or slightly ahead time zone.
- Spain, France, Portugal: 1 hour ahead of the UK, home to the largest populations of UK state pensioners using S1 forms.
- US East Coast: 5 hours behind the UK.
- UAE/Gulf: 3 to 4 hours ahead of the UK.
- Australia (Sydney): 9 to 11 hours ahead of the UK, depending on daylight saving.
The cheaper way to actually make the call
If you're a pensioner calling about an S1 form from Spain or France, or replacing a GHIC card before a trip, roaming or international calling rates apply the whole time you're on hold. With DialVia, you call the real number over Wi-Fi from your browser instead:
- Open DialVia and sign up (about 30 seconds)
- Select United Kingdom as the destination
- Enter the number: 191 218 1999 (or 191 283 3909 for GHIC)
- Hit call
Frequently asked questions
What's the number for NHS Overseas Healthcare Services from abroad? +44 191 218 1999 for S1 applications, or +44 191 283 3909 for GHIC and other overseas healthcare queries.
What is an S1 form? It entitles UK state pensioners living in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland to state healthcare in their country of residence, funded by the UK.
What is a GHIC? The UK's Global Health Insurance Card, the post-Brexit replacement for EHIC, covering necessary healthcare during a visit to the EU.
What should I have ready before calling? Your National Insurance number, your existing GHIC or EHIC number if replacing one, and your State Pension reference if it's an S1 query.
Need a different NHS-related number from abroad? See the full guide to NHS-related services you can call from abroad, including Immigration Health Surcharge reimbursements.
👉 Try DialVia to call from your browser in 30 seconds. Didn't connect? You don't pay. Or return to the DialVia homepage to learn more.