Bootbrew

My parents are retiring to Turkey in February and they are not rich people. I am wondering what people do about medical insurance when they are over 60 and moving to Turkey. I have lived in Canada 15 years and can hardly help them from here. I emigrated to Canada but my parents are just 'going' not sure of their status but I know they will not be covered for medical. Can anyone help me? Should I be posting somewhere else? Thanks for any insight.

jdr

Read here it may help you.
I think they joined the EU at the last joining, so your parents should be covered by UK health cover.
Your mum if she is over 60 will have to apply for a form from DWP in UK to take with them and your dad will be her dependant as he has to be 65 to claim, if she is under 60 then its a different numbered form.
There will be more info on that link and also on the DWP site, i think there is a link to it on there.

Inselaffen

Turkey did not join and it is very unlikely they will for a long time!
Only Bulgaria and Romania joined at the begining of this year!

Mitzyboy

No, Turkey are not in the EU and imho not likely to be in the near or far future as there are too many issues, especially as they are now threatening to invade Northern Iraq!! I guess therefore they will need to take out some kind of private health care.

jdr

Whoops a daisy; I apologize I thought they had joined with the last lot.
I know they have been trying to get in since 1999 and thought that they were close to joining.

Mitzyboy

They've decided to take over the middle east instead ... and frankly they can have it

loz

You don't say where in Turkey your parents are going to but if you want to go to www.calis-beach.co.uk and either do a search or register and ask the same question I am sure someone will come up with some answers and reassurance.

Loz x

gedge

have they any family remaining in the UK?
i haven't given it much thought but this is kind of what i understand my parents have done
make it seem like your parents are living with say a son/daughter in the UK... register with local GP, get bank details changed to that address etc. and then if need be they get on the first flight back and go through the GP/NHS as if still living there
obviously not a fool proof plan if the illness is sudden/severe

fragakik

Well why not take out a private plan with bupa???
I think prices start from about £60???

Mitzyboy

When I left the UK BUPA were quoting figures in the region of £200 per month upwards ....... they tend to be very expensive for overseas cover, a local national based health company is normally the best bet ... I ended up with Sanitas in Spain which in fact is a division of BUPA, but £140 a month cheaper!