robin1234

Well, the Google search engine is one of the best ways to search the open Web. It's certainly what I use on a regular basis.

formula

There is is much stuff on the www that often it is difficult to find the correct information.

Richard8655

Thanks kindly to all for the time spent and detailed responses to assist and research this. I now see that the rules can be quite confusing based on various immigration scenarios and circumstances.

But as per robin, it looks like in my situation it's fairly straightforward and affirmative in eligibility. I hope the new government doesn't implement in the future what had been previously considered. In the meantime, I'm glad I asked! Thanks very much.

theoldgit

That particular rule was withdrawn earlier this year, though, like anybody, you can still get free emergency treatment in the NHS.

An expat from outside the EU visiting the UK is now liable for 150% of the actual cost of treatments, even if they've made NI Contributions for 40 years and remain a UK Taxpayer.

If you return to the UK to settle, you are then covered.

This is the response I received from the DoH on the subject.

Pistolpete2

I dug and dug for clarification on the closure of access to NHS hospital treatment for UK State Pensioners from outside of the EEA on an arising basis after it was mentioned by formula around April 6th - the effective date of its closure, but was unable to find anything outside of the Daily Telegraph.

As late as two or three weeks ago the NHS Visitors website still had UK State Pensioners as an exception for hospital treatment but this now appears to have been 'pulled' or confined to the National Archives, leaving only the Citizens Advice Bureau with it still in there - incorrectly so it now seems.

Sorry about that!

Here is the BMA directive and underlying charge rules:

BMA - Overseas Visitors and Primary Care | British Medical Association

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...tions_2015.pdf

page 23 refers, but only in the Exemption as of 6th April 2015 column

formula

They also ended those Brits who are retired to another EEA country from getting healthcare paid for by the UK in that country, and they now have to be in receipt of a UK state pension to get that. Although Spain had already put a block on EEAs retiring there if they didn't have savings. Many who were getting their healthcare in the EEA country paid for by the UK, now have to buy private health insurance. Of course from next April UK state pensions change and only those who have contributed to the UK themselves and for at least 10 tax years gets a UK state pension.


Most of the sites seem to be late giving information or are giving incorrect information and not just on the NHS. Even the calculators that spring up on various sites for the recent budget don't seem to be giving the correct information when you look at the changes and then work it out for yourself.

The problem seems to be that there isn't set times that all these changes happen now. It feels like every day is bringing something new i.e. this last week has seen some big changes to the Tier 4 student visas, yet he wasn't going to announce more immigration changes until the autumn.

not2old

Maybe for clarification without rehashing or what has already been posted or discussed on the many threads before this one as well as without any long winded response or links to something - for the OP question above, on the basis they are 'ordinarily resident in the UK', is the simple answer a yes or a no?

And does it matter if they are state pension age or not?

Richard8655

I think the consensus here was yes, regardless of state pension. Thanks for restating for clarity. As an aside, your Canadian state health system seems similar to the NHS. Very nice to have, especially from the perspective south of the border.

john5655

I just returned to UK and registered with the local doctor, this is what they ask for

Richard8655

Looks like there might be a slight lag to coverage until one gets established (bank statement, utility bill, etc.). So just stay healthy until then!

Editha

I think it depends on the GP. My own did not require any proof of residence whatsoever.

michali

Neither did mine. We just had to fill forms for the two of us. I was actually in the GP's surgery yesterday and a man came in to register and he was told to fill the form and that he would have to wait for three days (for it to be processed I guess).

Barrybriggs

I have lived outside the U.K. for a number of years. During that time I paid into and kept up to date my national pension payments. I now receive a British pension overseas. If I return to the U.K. I assume I will automatically be able to receive NHS medical care.

theoldgit

If you now live in the EU or are returning to the UK full time, then yes will be entitled to full NHS medical care.

If you live outside the UK or are just visiting and require emergency treatment for a new condition, then that will be covered, but not any ongoing care.

I chap I know here in Thailand was visiting the UK recently, he's a UK National who is retired here, he pays tax on his pension and "paid his stamp" for over 40 years. During his trip he received emergency treatment for a bleeding gastric ulcer, whilst the initial treatment wasn't charged for, he was hospitalised and when he was discharged he was presented with a bill for a tad over £4,000.

The fact that he is a UK taxpayer and therefore already paying for the NHS is apparently regarded as "irrelevant" by the government, who claim that this measure will greatly improve NHS finances.

The Government recommend that Expats take out travel insurance to cover them for medical emergencies that they would be covered for at no cost if they were still resident in the UK.

Following a heart attack in Singapore last year I'm finding it very difficult to obtain cover, and would have a problem if I had another heart attack when visiting the UK, which I'm doing next week, I pay UK tax at up to 40% on my pensions.

I've written to Cameron and the Health Secretary calling foul, I've pointed out that I wouldn't be liable for NI contributions if I lived in the UK and already pay a fair amount in income tax. I added that this unfairness could be the tipping point to return "home" where I would receive my full state pension, it's currently frozen, full NHS cover and they would even throw in a bus pass, so it's not really economic sense. I'm not really expecting a meaningful reply from the appropriate Correspondence Unit.

robin1234

Why do you, and the other resident of Thailand that you mention in your post, pay taxes in the UK? That's the bit I don't get. Surely if you live in Thailand you pay tax there?