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I last paid NI about 6 years ago, then resident in EU for 4 years, residence expired, now contracting in Middle East.
Only link to UK is a passport.
I have an NHS card (outdated address).
Do I qualify for NHS treatment (eg on holiday), please?

not2old

Normally as a Brit & as a non resident, the answer is 'no free treatment'

Am I entitled to NHS treatment when I visit England? - Health questions - NHS Choices

Advice for overseas visitors - The NHS in England - NHS Choices

However, you have an NHS card & likely a family doctor from your time that you were normally resident in the UK, so what's preventing a visit to that doctor ... just saying

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Thanks.

mikelincs

Strictly, no you do not qualify as the NHS is residence based and not citizenship based. They may not check on you, but then again they just might.

formula

You are regarded for NHS purposes, as any other visitor to the UK.

Under the changes that strated on 6 April 2015 with the Immigration Bill 2014, it means you can have a consultaion for free with a GP or nurse, but not treatment there for free. Prescriptions must not be at NHS rates. Birth control is free but not abortions.

For hospitals, the same as it has always been only now the hospitals must bill or be fined (under that same Immigration bill 2014). Treatment is free on the A&E wards, but anything off that ward is billed i.e. all the expensive stuff, operations, aftercare, stays on a ward, xrays and scanners.

Dentist treatment you are not allowed NHS rates.

christmasoompa

Depends on how long ago it was he last lived in the UK. With both our current GP, and our previous one in a different country, we receive(d) annual letters asking us to confirm we wanted to remain registered at their practice and to update any of our info. So if he's had a letter like that and not seen it, chances are he's been removed from the register at that doctors.

HTH.

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If a Brit returns to UK after being non-resident, are welfare benefits / NHS immediately available?

mikelincs

NHS is, you have to prove you are returned to live, so would need a rental contract or utility or council tax bill in your name, not too sure about benefits though.

not2old

returning Brits taking up residence

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...esidence-test/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...ming-benefits/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...ision-is-made/

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If a returning Brit ends up back in UK because an overseas contract is ending, will he be quickly housed under the benefits system? Or must wait 3 months living in a tent?

not2old

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...ousing-benefit

You are resident in the UK

You must be living in the UK to claim Housing Benefit. If you are from overseas or have recently come to live in the UK you may have difficulty claiming the benefit, depending on your immigration status.

If you are not sure about your right to claim benefit, you should consult an experienced adviser.

http://local.direct.gov.uk/LDGRedire...LGSL=69&LGIL=0

.

not2old

you may also want to use one of the following benefits calculators

http://benefits-calculator.turn2us.o...campaign=GovUK

entitledto

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Thanks.

formula

British citizens will always have a right to reside in the UK. However, a residency rule has been introduced for EEA job seekers and this also applies to British citizens who are job seekers and have recently returned after a period of three or more months abroad.
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-g...ish%20citizens

TBF, Brits have never been allowed to return to the UK for benefits and this rule now makes it easier for the benefit decision makers.

Also be aware that any HB you are given after 3 months might be enough to cover all your rent as it is set on the 30th percentile of rents in that area and on other benefits you are claiming if it takes you over the benefit cap and on your age (under 35s get less HB).

There are also benefit changes expected to be annouced early next month based on part of the welfare reform promises in the Conservatives election manifesto. It's expected to be the part on lowering the benefit cap to 23k which will reduce any HB claimants are given, and on raising the age that people can claim HB.

You will struggle to find a landlord who will accept someone who is unemployed and often they will ask for 6 months rent up front and a large deposit. Can you stay with friends or family.

holly_1948

Definitely talk to the Age UK organisation if you are older. Say 55 years or so.