gh05

scot47

<<<SNIP>>>

2. https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-if-you-go-abroad

That is your homework. You may have missed the lesson on National Insurance when you were in 6th Form !

Thairetired2016

When you work in Germany insurance comes with your job. Insurance is compulsory. Preconditions don't matter. You also need to register with local authorities.
Residence is where you pay tax. This will be Germany. It would be against the law to access NHS treatment as you no longer will legally have your residence in the UK.
Do you speak German?
Brexit may change the rules for living in Germany considerably.

gh05

Would that (insurance) even be the case with casual bar work (i don't expect to be able to get a proper job in Germany until I have been there for a couple of months)? I don't speak German yet, no. I'm cosidering the move for a change of scenery for a while as Iwanted to do it for years, have friends there, and know it could be my last proper chance given my age (mid 30's) and brexit. <<<SNIP>>> if it wasn't so important that I see the same doctor then i would happily see a German doctor but the risks of not seeing someone who knows my history/rare condition inside out are serious. It's almost pointless seeing a new doctor ...it just feels like extremely bad timing that right when I want to make the move this condition flares up again. Can I not continue to pay national insurance in the UK too or something?

spouse of scouse

Here's the UK government update on healthcare for British citizens living in Germany, pre and post Brexit, deal or no deal https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-germany

Thairetired2016

Why do you think that you can get casual bar work without speaking German? Or bar work at all? Are you a trained barman? What do you mean with "casual"? Cash on hand at the end of a night?
This would not be allowed on a regular basis as it would no longer be "casual". How would you get health insurance? Unlike in the UK, Germany does not provide free treatment, not even in case of emergency. It is compulsory in EU countries to have insurance. Since you plan to work, you cannot get cover under an UK Ehic card.
Have you considered accommodation?
Do not overlook that you cannot just come and live in Germany. You are required to register with local authority. They ask for proof of medical aid, income or you show them a work contract. EU free movement isn't quite so free.
I'm not trying to put you off but point out what is needed to live and work on a legal basis. Otherwise you will have no legal protection.
You mention you have friends in Germany. They should be able to help with German bureaucracy.

christmasoompa

scot47

With no German you will have problems. Paying UK National Insurance when you are there is optional.

Thairetired2016

What the link doesn't say ( I can't see it) that membership to health insurance is income based. If you have no income from work, then you show your tax return. If you have neither, you pay max. possible which some years ago was over 400€. Have been there and done it in Germany.

spouse of scouse

Under the section headed 'Healthcare' two links are provided, 'guidance on accessing healthcare in Germany' and the German government's 'guide on social security in Germany'. The info's probably in one of those, I haven't read them though.

gh05

Basically, one of my friends there (who I visit each year) asked the owner of an Irish bar on my behalf and they mentioned that getting work there wouldn't be an issue for an English speaker. Obviously I would want to make an effort to learn the local language as much as would be possible in a short time frame. I'm not sure yet about the nature of payment if I were to take it and how that translates to health insurance. Yes I have previous bar experience (not that it's really needed in my opinion for that sort of work). Accommodation - I asked another friend about this and he said he found his American friend accommodation within a day.

My main concern really is the medical one.

gh05

A friend has arranged that he could get me a job in a local Irish bar to start. From there I would do my best to at least learn the basics of german. When you say paying National insurance also would be optional do you mean could possibly be a route to healthcare in the UK too or just for helping with pension contributions? thanks

spouse of scouse

NI contributions just go towards your pension (but are well worth keeping up!), the NHS is entirely separate and is based on residency, not nationality.

I know there are a lot of rules and regs to get your head around, especially when you're young and just want to get out there and do it. But honestly, it is worth the time and effort to do things properly. You don't want to be stuck somewhere with a cardio health problem or other serious condition and no health cover. Best of luck to you, I admire your spirit of adventure!

gh05

Thanks, appreciate that. Is just frustrating to have these medical issues crop up now at the time when I want to make the move. Initially I thought while still in the EU I would be able to still receive NHS care as I'd always paid into the system etc but oh well. It took me 7 years of messing around with doctors before finding someone who was specialist enough to understand my heart condition so that's why I'd want to do my best to go back to the same doctor but maybe I'll just have to have a consultation now and put off any treatment for another day when back in the UK or something.

Thairetired2016

I understand your concern re healthcare. The link provided explains all in detail. Your friend should be able to assist you as he lives and works in Germany.
if the owner of this e.g. Irish bar employs you officially (not casual), then medical aid will come with it. Even a low paid job gives medical membership. Employer pays part of the monthly contribution. To check your employment chances why not go to an employment site for gastronomy staff. This should give you a picture what jobs are on offer.

https://www.buhl-personal.de/jobs/

You never mentioned where you intend to visit. While affordable accomodation is hard to find in most places, it may be easier in others.
Good luck.