IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Good day,

Can you kindly assist with some queries.
My Parents are thinking of immigrating to Ireland. They immigrated from the UK to South African in the 70s and are now looking at moving to Ireland. My Dad receives a British Pension as well as they have their South African Pension here.

What are the Pro's and Con's for Ireland. Would they be better off in Ireland than UK.

My Dad has an existing condition Rheumatoid Arthritis. The age of my parents at the moment is Dad: 65 and my Mum 62. How would the medical work for them and do they have to pay EUR400 a month for medication?

They would also like to purchase a house - as a pensioner would they receive any discounts?

Transport - do they still have to pay for the buses or would they receive a Pensioners Bus pass.

As EU Passport holders are they entitled to any benefits in Ireland.

Reason for going to Ireland as my Family and I are heading that way in April and would like to know where it would be best for them to settle.

Thank you to all for your assistance.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

The Ireland forum hasn't been very active recently and as always, it's personal experience. Ireland can work out better for some, or can be worse and really depends on the individual and what they expect.
Unfortunately we have had a few negative posters here, but Ireland is always in the top ten for several topics when it comes to Better Life Index, so it can't be that bad.Irish rank highly for quality of life in EU, survey finds

One thing that keeps coming up is Health Care. Depending on threshold, some might qualify for medical card, but then you are limited to public hospitals and like the UK, some hospitals will have longer waiting times.If you have the money and saved in other areas (housing cost), it's always good to have private health plan.

Senior Care Blog and Information > The Essential Guide to Benefits and Entitlements for Older People in Ireland The most important links are here: Health careFree Travel in IrelandRetiring to IrelandRetiring to Ireland

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

If both your parents are British Citizens, moving to Northern Ireland (NI) appears to be a better idea given your dad's health issue.

NI, as part of the UK, is covered by the NHS. Yes, there are long waiting times for some NHS services, but at lease you do not need to pay upfront for it.

Regarding bus passes, the rule for NI differs from the Republic. Please see link below for the scheme in NI -

Free and concessionary bus and rail travel | nidirect

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

But what difference would it make? They are still covered by the NHS if they live in the Republic and Belfast is only around the corner. Each case is different, but you'd have to look at more factors. Even if you don't have private healthcare in Ireland & don't have a medical card, the maximum you would pay for any treatment in 1 year is capped at €750 + you still have the option to go to the UK.
This could also make sense for families: Drugs Payment Scheme

As a family and depending on finances, it might make mores sense to get private health insurance through work and you would avoid public waiting lists + have more choices.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Residents of the Irish Republic are entitled to use the NHS in the North ? I do not think so.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

If you are living in an EEA country or Switzerland and you receive a UK State Pension or long-term Incapacity Benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You'll need to apply for a certificate of entitlement also known as an S1 form. If you are living in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland then the form is called E121.You can apply for your form via the International Pension Centre on 0191 218 7777. Once issued, register the S1/E121 form with the relevant authority abroad. Often you need to do this before you can register with a GP surgery or obtain a medical card. Once you have registered your S1/E121 in the country you are moving to, you will be entitled to apply for and use a UK-issued EHIC to access state-funded necessary medical treatment when you visit other EEA countries.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Saying that, it only counts if you receive a State Pension from the UK. What has changed?You can now no longer apply for a residual S1 (formerly residual E106), which previously provided temporary healthcare to early retirees moving to other EEA countries. The question would be if they have a British State Pension??????

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

You are not seriously suggesting that I can live in the Republic and register with a GP in Ulster ? Do not mislead people.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Anybody should do their own research, but it's all here:The NHS website also has a FAQ page explaining who is entitled to NHS treatmentSome people who are not resident in the UK are eligible for free hospital treatment under the NHS should they need it during their visit. They include:

• EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, refugees or stateless persons living in an EU country or in Switzerland, or non-EU nationals who live in an EU state and pay national insurance contributions there
• Persons who live abroad, but receive a UK state pension, and who have lived in the UK for at least ten years in the past
• Persons who have lived in the UK for at least ten years in the past, but now live in an EU/EEA country or in a non-EU country with which the UK has a reciprocal agreement
• Nationals or residents of some non-EU countries with which the UK has a reciprocal agreement

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

One thing to note is that you should not abuse the system (as many do), but if you are receiving a UK State Pension and have paid your taxes to qualify, you certainly have the right.
Holders of a valid UK Pensioner S1 form living in an EEA country or SwitzerlandIf you are in receipt of a UK pension and have registered a valid UK S1 form with the relevant authorities in your country of residence, and your healthcare is paid for by the UK by virtue that S1 form, then you are now entitled to return to England to receive free NHS hospital treatment, just like someone who is ordinarily resident in England.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

I would be interested in seeing a link to NHS stating that.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Moses2013 - The Department of Health clearly stated that in order to receive free NHS health care, a person needs to be Ordinary Resident in the UK. (para 1 of the document below) and 'British Citizens who are no longer living and settled in the UK cannot be said to be Ordinarily Resident in the UK' (para 5).

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...esident-uk.pdf

As Moses2013 said, Belfast is only around the corner, so why spend time and effect to apply for the S1 form in the Irish Republic when you can get NHS by living in Northern Ireland.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Moses wants us to believe that you can live in County Donegal but use the NHS in Derry.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

What's your point? I'm just posting what it states on UK government websites. There are plenty of people with UK State pensions moaning, but they probably never bothered filling out a S1 form, or did they actually ring the International Pension Centre?


I live and work in Ireland and am not a pensioner, but even I can go to any GP I like, be it with my health insurance provider, or using the EHIC.If I need a hip replacement, I can even go to the Netherlands if I wish and my GP/consultant just needs to sign the letter. It's like the S2 routeThe S2 route explained - Treatment abroad - NHS Choices



I wouldn't see the benefits driving to the North if you have a good service locally, but if it's covered it's covered. What's the difference if you go to Donegal or Derry if you're entitled? It's always easy to complain.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

You are talking about ordinary resident, however if you receive a State Pension it's a different story.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/n...ns-to-nhs-care
UK state pensioners who live elsewhere in the EEA will now have the same rights to NHS care as people who live in England. This applies to all pensioners who receive a UK state retirement pension and registered for healthcare in Europe with an S1 form