Giving birth abroad

[Blu2Seine]

Hi,

I’m curious if any EU national living in the UK has decided to / or already has given birth abroad in the EU (and then return to the UK) and if they have used the NHS Giving Birth Abroad form to apply for funding? https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/going-abroad-for-treatment/giving-birth-outside-the-uk/

I know of someone Italian (UK resident) who decided to go back to Italy to give birth and for her appointments, completed the form and got funding for it. I was quite surprised this is available but apparently it’s so that you’re not a burden for the NHS so they’re willing to fund your birth abroad if you’re an EU national!

I’m considering going back to France (my home country) to give birth, so was wondering if anyone else had done the same.

Thanks

Wow, I didn't know this is an option

For anyone who’s interested, I did some more research and spoke to the NHS and checked with the French medical system. It’s an S2 form, it’s an EU directive that allows EU nationals to have treatment (including maternity/birth) in another European Economic Area country and apply for the reimbursement of the cost. All you need to do is complete the form, have a GHIC/EHIC card, and the NHS will get in touch with your chosen hospital/midwife abroad for your maternity, who will then charge the NHS.

@Blu2Seine I know the posts are a little old, but what happened in the end with this? Do you only get funded if you are planning to return to the UK after the birth?

Hi @loulamay yes you are only funded if you plan to return to the UK (or which ever is your country of residence) after you’ve given birth. I haven’t applied yet because we’re not pregnant yet but was looking at options for the future. I will definitely go down that route though when the time comes!

Thank you! We're in the middle of IVF and are hoping to relocate to France next summer, so ideally I would be pregnant and have the baby in the UK before that happens! But you never know how IVF will work out... Really not sure what the deal is for moving to another country whilst pregnant!

Hope it all goes well for you! If you’re moving to France, what you’ll need to do is get in touch with the local health service (sécurité sociale) and let them know. I think you have to prove you’ve been a resident in France for a minimum of 3 months before you’re covered.