Hi Dunroving,

I'm returning to the UK in 5 months after 5 years in Oz. I've read many things on this website about the consequences of returning to the UK, including having to pay International student fees for over 16's, no entitlement to benefits for a period of time (I assume 6-12 mths), trouble getting car insurance or having to pay through the nose for it as UK compnaies won't accept Australian NCB, and NOW from your post it sounds like we won't be entitled to NHS treatment. Do you have any details, such as how long for, etc?

I'm stunned that after myself & hubby have paid UK tax for almost 27 years combined (before 2001), that we'll be treat like immigrants on our return!!! (or maybe worse than immigrants??)

Baz!! :scared:

Huh? I don't get it. My husband and I have come back to the UK and are entitled to NHS treatment. Our car insurance also accepted our Australian NCB - however I did insure with the same company I was with when I left and they still had the record of my UK NCB as well. So, what about my friend who just kept coming back to the UK every 2 years to renew his residency visa by saying he owned property in the UK? I know from DIMIA point of view, once you have achieved permanent residence status in Oz it is out of their hands (as told to me by DIMIA) and they are no longer interested in you. I am not a UK citizen and I can get NHS treatment.

Hi Stuck,

That's interesting!!

Actually I just got a reply from Churchill Insurance today. Good news!!

QUOTE - "I can confirm that we are able to accept proof of No Claim Discount from Australia, you must intend to live in the UK permanently in order for us to insure you and your husband.

Should you require any further assistance, please contact us on 0800 200 300, or 0208 313 3030 and ask to speak to our Sales department"

Who are you insured with?

Also, can you explain this bit - it's been a very long day!

I know from DIMIA point of view, once you have achieved permanent residence status in Oz it is out of their hands (as told to me by DIMIA) and they are no longer interested in you.

Regards

BAZ!

Yes Stuck pls can you explain that bit about DIMIA saying no longer interested etc etc....

If you are returning to be a resident, then you are fine. Intention to stay makes you a resident as soon as you step off the plane.

But if you are resident elsewhere and go back to the UK for a holiday, no you are not entitled to NHS treatment other than in an emergency situation.

Sorry if my email was confusing - when I said "go back" I meant for a holiday (that's why I referred to "NHS holiday")

Where do you live? Are you back in the UK as a resident, or on vacation (I assume resident as you talk about car insurance)? If you are resident in the UK, then you are eligible for NHS. Otherwise, you are not eligible for NHS treatment (regardless of whether they give it to you).

Hi - actually we were first insured with Norwich Union (also accepted our NCB) because we imported our car from Oz and they were the only one's who would ensure while we were waiting for UK registration number. Then we changed to Diamond (much cheaper!). As for the other bit, I contacted DIMIA to ask about my husband situation re RRV and citizenship. They just said that once you become a citizen (sorry, got it wrong-Ithink) DIMIA are no longer interested in you.