mandevilla

We've lived in the USA for twenty some years ... my husband recently retired... we'd like to spend our remaining years with our family. Now we have definitely made our decision there is so much to plan and think about ... where do I start? I'm sure there are a lot of pitfalls ...I would like to ship at least some of our belongings back... I'll appreciate any tips to help me get my head around this Thank you.

quiltman

A bit more info need. Are you both British Citizens? Dual citizens?
with some more detail you'll get lots of advice from the good folks on BE.

mandevilla

Yes we are both dual citizens. My husband worked in UK for 20 years before we moved here.

Editha

A list of websites you may find useful

mandevilla

Thank you Editha.

We already receive British pensions.

Can anyone recommend shipping companies ...

...private medical care providers ... estate agents... there's such a lot to think about... any info will be appreciated.

Editha

I did a post in reply yesterday, but it seems to have got lost.

Shipping companies. This is going to depend on where you are living in the USA. I suggest you start a separate thread headed something like 'Shippers from Kentucky to UK'. That way you might get replies from ex-pats who've moved back from your area and know the firms to use.

Private medical care: The usual insurer in the UK is BUPA. But, you will be covered by the NHS from the moment you become a permanent resident in the UK (i.e. the moment you get off the plane). Private insurance is not essential, but even if you want it, there is no necessity to take out cover before you arrive. I suggest that with so many other things to do, medical insurance could wait until you are settled.

Estate agents: Look at RightMove (on the over-50s list). Almost every house for sale in England is on the list. Warning: browsing the site can become addictive!

Editha

A couple of other points:

Don't use the Rover's Return forum for this kind of query. Post in the main UK forum.

Banking is another issue you'll have to consider -- making arrangements for transferring funds to the UK.

themajor

Very well done EDITHA. The replies are spot on. One more thing. It would be better to rent first before buying. Also get your names down on the Council reigister asap in the area that you wish to settle. This also gives you the help in opening bank accounts when they do credit checks.

Good luck

Editha

I've asked BEVS to move this thread to the main forum.

mandevilla

Thank you so much ... there is much valuable information here ... I feel that it's becoming a bit clearer.
Do we have to inform anyone to become permanent resident?
Do we just go to any doctor?
We have kept our British bank account however I was wondering how to transfer funds?
Thanks again!

Editha

No.
Yes. It helps if you have your old NHS numbers, but not essential. It is up to the GP surgery to track down your old number if you don't have it.

You can use a firm such as XE,or make wire transfers from your bank, depending on the circumstances. I'm used to transferring funds from Canada to the UK. Different conditions may apply in the USA, so it would be helpful if one of the USA ex-pats advised you.

PS, you've done well keeping your UK accounts alive. We did too. Nowadays it seems to be a right pain in the posterior trying to set up UK banking facilities from abroad.

michali

Just jumping in here regarding private medical insurance. I took out one with BUPA as I had been covered by them while I was abroad (cost me a fortune!) but the one here was not so expensive but only covered me if I was already diagnosed or hospitalized under the NHS. Then BUPA would kick in. I know there were better plans but I did not want to pay more so, after a year, I gave it up.

Editha

I had a BUPA policy for years and never made a claim on it. I wouldn't bother now. Consultant's fees in the UK are not too steep, so you can always speed things up a bit by paying privately for a consult. I've done that several times.

mandevilla

Thanks for all the feedback... I'm really feeling encouraged ... I was feeling very discouraged ... we decided a long time ago we would retire back to UK ... my husband retired in February ... he began to suffer memory lapses ... not long after he was diagnosed with dementia ... it was such a shock... I'm still struggling to get my head around it. I need to be home with the support of my family.
Anyway ... thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it... I'm now thinking that it is doable.

Editha

I'm dealing with dementia in a parent at the moment. That's bad enough, but having a partner affected must be horrible. Do get as much support from this forum as you can.