Originally Posted by Rambling archer

Well at least something is moving along (even if you are left limping with the recovering limb) - that will be the official document from ISS to say that they are in communication with the source country of your S1 (UK) - International - and that between them they are in the stage where your S1 is approved and they will accept the UK funding arrangement (Instrumento) for your health care in Portugal - Granted. Sounds like success! I would suggest you wait a couple of days to see if you get an email from ISS about it and if not make an appointment to see that nice lady again and take your papers and the letter with you so she can explain what action (if any) you should take now. You are also within your rights to phone the Pensions Service in UK to ask about it for an easier to understand explanation, and in the fullness of time you will be able to get your EHIC from NHS Business.

As to the bill from the hospital - is it not covered under the SNS rather than private?

Hope the leg is improving by now.

Originally Posted by sportpix

An update on this thread. I have received something in the post today which seems to be entitled Intrumentos Internacionais and was sent by the ISS. It seems to say I’ve had something granted. I’m not entirely sure what to do with it except to keep it in a safe place. I was expecting an invoice of some sort for my recent hospital stay but so far have received nothing. Now on month two of the torturous wait for my leg to heal.

Originally Posted by BillBullock

My letter from the ISS entitled Internacionais had my Portuguese social security number (11 digits) on the second page. Have they allocated you an SS number?

Originally Posted by sportpix

Thanks BB. There is indeed an 11 digit number on the upper left corner of the second page. Is there a further process as suggested by RA, such as going back to SS and seeing the nice lady?

Originally Posted by sportpix

Thanks RA. I have no idea which body is covering the hospital cost but I was told by a friend to expect some sort of discounted bill.
as for the leg, the staples and dressings have all been removed and I’m required to just sit with the leg elevated for yet another month. Thankfully I’ve been introduced to Uber so I’ve been able to get out to the supermarket when needed and then last night I had an enjoyable dinner with my rescuers to celebrate my son becoming a father yesterday and presenting me with my third granddaughter. Very sore head this morning on my 4am wake up 😩