liliand

Hi all,
Apart from having adequate income to retire to Cyprus, is it essential to have proof of comprehensive health insurance?

What if you are too old to get cover, or have been refused because of a pre-existing condition? Is it possible to be accepted as an EU citizen retiree to Cyprus under those circumstances - ie without health cover? [And be prepared to pay for emergencies as they arise.]

Thanks for your comments - and pointers to reliable website information. Lilian

Carol and David

Hi Lilliand
I have posted a link below, hope it works if not just try typeing it in yourselves, it is from the nhs about retireing to cyprus,.
I am sure somebody will let you know about private insurance
david
http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthc...arecyprus.aspx

liliand

Thanks - much appreciate your reply. Lilian and Mike

Veronica-K

You will be entitled to health care free in government hospitals and clinics.
Make sure you get an E121 before you leave the UK as you will need this initially until you get your Cypriot medical cards.

David and Cathy

Hello Lilian
Did you manage to sort this out or are you still looking?

liliand

You can't get the E121 before you have an address in Cyprus, e.g. a rental or bought property. To get the E121 and subsequently the Cyprus medical card you have to commit to apply for Cyprus residency based on an adequate income e.g. pension.
Otherwise, the maximum length of stay in Cyprus for tourists/visitors is 90 days out of any 6 months, starting from your arrival date.

David and Cathy

did you manage to sort out the affordable medical insurance?

Veronica-K

If you are coming here to live as retirees and not work, before coming to Cyprus apply for a E106. This covers you for free healthcare for 2 years. You can then apply for the Cyprus health card once you are registered as a permanent resident here.

Veronica

Veronica-K

Take a look at this page of the NHS website

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthc...ingabroad.aspx

Oleander321

Very useful link. Thank you.

liliand

http://www.nhs.uk/Pages/HomePage.aspxHealthcare provided under the E106
"If you move to an EEA country to live but not work and don't receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare, paid for by the UK.

You will need to apply for an E106 with the the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) and prove that you have worked in the UK and paid National Insurance contributions up to three years before your departure.

For further advice, contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle)

Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle)
Room TC001
Tyneview Park
Whitley Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1BA

Tel: 0191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday 8am-5pm)

The E106 will entitle you to treatment on the same basis as a resident of the country you moving to. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care." ...more on website.

Lilian adds - if you are already receiving a UK Pension i.e. a benefit, then the E121, not the E106 applies.

liliand

Depends what you mean by affordable, because quotes are based on age as well as health and whether you have pre-conditions. The later you start private health cover, the higher the annual premiums will be.

We explored many different companies on the internet and over the phone.

Many Health Insurance companies do not offer cover to individuals who have not started cover with them at or before age 64. If you meet this criterion, cover can extend into the 70s and 80s, and sometimes 90s and 100s.
Often Life Insurance is also a rider at increased premiums.

It is worth doing an international search, since the criteria change frequently, with less emphasis on preconditions.
We have never had to 'test' a private medical insurance claim with any cover other than that provided by an employer, [which worked out fine.]

Good luck with the hunt! Lilian