MJO61

I am a British subject with US passport. If I had to go home for an extended stay, would I have to buy health Insurance while I was there. I know A&E would be covered, but if admitted into hospital, what would be my options? I am under Medicare/Advantage here in the States. Thanks

petitefrancaise

depends on a few factors..
if you are temporarily working in the USA for less than 5 years and have lived in the UK for at least 10 years prior to leaving the UK. I would think that if you don't have LPR status here you could argue that you are temporarily working here..
More info here: Citizens Advice - NHS charges for people from abroad

We bought health insurance cover $200 for 3 weeks for a family of 5. Knowing my lot, I decided that it simply wasn't worth the risk. Best thing I ever did. For the first time in ages nobody needed to see a doctor on holiday....

Pulaski

What do you mean by "extended"? If it's more than six months, making you liable for UK income taxes, you could probably argue you've become resident again.

If you buy any sort of travel insurance and develop a medical problem in the UK, the insurer will likely expect you to return to the US for any extended treatment, assuming you're able to travel.

petitefrancaise

[QUOTE=Pulaski;If you buy any sort of travel insurance and develop a medical problem in the UK, the insurer will likely expect you to return to the US for any extended treatment, assuming you're able to travel.[/QUOTE]

Maybe not - it's MUCH cheaper to get treatment in the UK. In fact some insurance companies are now offering incentives for non-urgent care to be done in Europe. I'd definitely go to France for care.
Piece de Resistance for U.S. Self-Funding Employer Savings World Medical Tourism Congress Blog

scrubbedexpat099

Change extended stay to resuming residence and you are good to go.

mikelincs

If the OP has a US passport, then they must be a US citizen, so LPR doesn't come into it. They would have to pay for treatment just as any temporary visitor to the UK would.

MJO61

Thanks all. Might have to take care of brother, so not sure how long I would stay. To be on the safe side, think I will take out health Insurance while I am there. Any recommendations?

Pulaski

First check if your US insurance will pay out on foreign medical expenses.

MJO61

Thank you, I will.

Jerseygirl

Ours covers us when travelling overseas.

penguinbar

Mine does as well.

hungryhorace

Same, but only for A&E as we're on a HMO with only in-network cover (unless an ER visit is required, then we can go anywhere).

Personally, if I was the OP I would get a basic policy to cover him, though the chances of him EVER being asked to pay anything were he to give a British address (family home etc) is 0 from everything I've read.

Pulaski

See HH post #12, above.

petitefrancaise

"though the chances of him EVER being asked to pay anything were he to give a British address (family home etc) is 0 from everything I've read"

not true, they always ask for the name and address of the doctor you are registered with. Apart from anything else, if we haven't lived in the UK for years, haven't paid tax or NI there, why should we expect to get free treatment? We wouldn't get it anywhere else.

Pulaski