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

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

I would highly recommend your parents consider the Britain or Northern Ireland. The Irish Health system is a joke. Please don't make the same mistake as we did and retire here.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

You cannot use the NHS in Northern Ireland if you are ordinarily resident in the Republic. You have to choose between De Valera and Nye Bevan !
Moses seems to be unaware of the fact that Donegal is in the Republic and Derry is in Northern Ireland. Two different jurisdictions with two different Health Services.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

She's back :eek:. Again, how do you know how health services are in Northern Ireland if you've never experienced it? Even in Northern Ireland you could be waiting very long. Fact is that you can get good/bad service everywhere.

Luckily we are in the EU and have choices (cross-border healthcare).Rather than moaning, have you actually started filling out your form??????
Loophole that lets you beat hospital operation queues - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Do you actually read????????????????????????? Again, each case is different, but I am resident in the Republic and can even get treatment in the UK/Germany etc. People with a UK State Pension can fill out a S1 form.

It's no offence, but why do people want to make it difficult. Life can be very easy if you listen and learn.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

For hospital operations. How does that help if I live in Cork and want a GP ? I will drive up to Belfast and ask for treatment for my piles ?I was reading when you were still in nappies, laddie !
Now away and tell those loons in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael that they should set up a civilised State Health Service in the 26 Counties.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

If you live in Cork and want a GP, you can go to Cork if you wish.If you need an operation and waiting times are too long in Cork, you can ask your GP to submit the application for the operation anywhere in Europe.Loophole that lets you beat hospital operation queues - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk
As they say in the article, even GP's aren't aware of it. Isn't it great to be in the EU :sarcasm:
When do you ever get a Thank you here :p

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Here is the official information for Irish Citizens, so everything is covered.I hope that some people will finally do their research and only moan when they've actually tried everything :boxing:
HSE.ie - Accessing Healthcare Abroad under CBD

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Please don't listen to Moses, as you can see he is on another planet to the rest of the contributors to the forum. Please tell your parents to opt for a good health service and go to the UK or Northern Ireland. From an experience point of view I lived in the UK for 20 years from 1995-2015 plus I have friends and family who live in Derry and Belfast so I am very familiar with the state of the health service in N.I.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

The OP has never come back. Scared off by the lunatic Old Testament Prophet. Well done, Moses.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

The problem is that you've been living on another planet. It's sad that you really believe there are no waiting lists in the UK and every hospital in the UK has the same standard. Apart from complaining and always telling us that everything is bad in Ireland, you have not helped one bit.

400.000 people were on waiting lists in Northern Ireland last year and it's not getting better. Shock figure of 400,000 people on hospital waiting list in Northern Ireland - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

The Republic is just as good/bad as other parts of the UK, but at least I have posted options. If you would have listened, or at least taken the time to read, your husband would have probably got an appointment at a different hospital be it Dublin/Belfast etc..

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Well no surprise. Why don't the few posting pensioners on this forum just change their signature to I hate the Republic of Ireland.


BE can be a great site, but it's pretty sad that most posters here are just trolls. Many countries can be great if you have the right skills, move to the right area and know how the system works. It's disgusting that some people don't even want others to be happy here, because they are miserable.


I've lived in the UK and other countries, now live here and any location/country has pros and cons. I don't get why people complain about something, you give them the solution and then they don't want to know about it.


I've posted the information about the cross border healthcare, but if somebody didn't bother to read and is still complaining, they can't be taken seriously :ban:

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Really Moses you need to cop on to yourself. I and the other posters don't hate Ireland I am Irish born and bred in Dublin and lived there for 35 years, I love this country BUT I and the other posters clearly see the reality of the Irish health service in 2016.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Then why doesn't anbody take advise? Did you fill out the S1 Form, or did you get a referral? As I've said, across the EU you have the same rights and if the North is so better, why don't you use their health services? It gets on my nerves that as soon as someone is interested moving here, people say don't move here without knowing any background from the poster. There are some excellent clinics in Ireland. Even a friend of mine came from the UK to go to the sports surgery clinic in Santry. If you don't have the money for a health plan, then go to a different public hospital.


The options are there for you, so I don't understand the comments from people. It's quicker and cheaper from Dublin to Liverpool, than Newcastle to Southampton. Most public hospitals even refer public patients to private clinics if waiting lists are too long, because otherwise they'd have to pay fines. I'm not even going to answer mrhappygolucky, because he never answered my question. I asked why people with a British State Pension are still here, if it's so bad? Nobody could answer that..................



Be it Ireland, UK and other countries, you'll always have good parts and bad parts. Overall, we should be happy to live here and when you look at the rest of the world, you'll realise what poverty is. If you personally aren't happy with your location, all you have to do is move to another place.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Again Moses you just don't get it. We are not saying Ireland is a bad place to live just that the Health Service is crap and if I can make people think about this before they choose Ireland especially if they have existing health issues I am doing them a favour.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

No, you don't get it. Are you telling me that the whole of Northern Ireland has better clinics/staff than the Republic? You'll find that Dublin has some excellent clinics/staff and even the NHS sends patients from the North to the Republic (vice versa). Fact is that you are living rural and won't have the same services as people in the cities. If you want those services, you will need to go to other clinics, or avoid the busier public hospitals.



While the North might have NHS, doesn't mean that you will get better service and you are also paying for it (tax). Salaries are generally lower in the North, so even with a private health plan in the Republic you are often better off financially with the benefit of being able to go to private clinics. People are mixing up Health Services with the System (management). Even in Galway I can go to a GP on Sunday, while in many parts of the UK it was impossible.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

I give up Moses you are you are truly on another planet with rose tinted glasses. As I have told you I have friends and family who live in N.I. and all voice that the health service is excellent, end of story. To go to one of your so called Clinics in ROI you have to fork out a lot of cash which is fine when you have it and can afford private healthcare but not for people who have to live on a small state pension.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

First of all you do not have to fork out a lot of cash and I've posted the rules. Again, if the health service is excellent in the North, why don't you go to the North? If you are receiving a UK State pension, you don't even have to pay anything anyway, so what's the problem? You are trying to make it more difficult than it is for yourself. Every country and system can work out different for each individual, so that's why you have to know the figures and background, but telling everyone not to move is silly.
There are plenty of people who are better off here and don't live in poverty, just like there are people better off in the UK. I agree it can be tough for pensioners with a small pension, that's why it's now even more important to have a pension plan. My generation will not even receive a state pension, but if we don't want waiting lists and the best public services, people have to be prepared to pay more.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Well, the OP's parents are both retired and not likely to work. So the lower wages and higher taxes in NI will not likely to affect them. It is an okay health system (NHS) they don't need to pay out a lot for versus a great health service where they pay upfront. My point is that depended on their pension income, they can make the decision between the two. All I am trying to say to the OP is that there is more than one option available.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

I agree with you and that's fair enough from your side. Any option can work, but other people are so quick to judge here without knowing any background from posters.


The UK could work, or you could take advantage of the exchange rate and use the money for health care if that's the issue and still have more money left. I also posted the rules for people with a UK State pension, so there are plenty of options available if someone is serious about it.


I never said that the NHS is worse/better, but telling people that anywhere in the UK is better than the Republic when it comes to healthcare, is very misleading. Just because it's free at source doesn't mean the quality is good at every hospital without any waiting lists. Even private health insurance here doesn't guarantee you'll get the best consultant. I agree that there's always room for improvement when it comes to the health system/management in general.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Just to clarify a few things for you Moses:

• These is no S1 form to fill out, you apply for one from the International Pension Centre in Newcastle, these are now only issued to British citizens who are in receipt of a UK State Pension. This scheme (which changed towards the end of last year), only applies to former UK residents who are in receipt of the UK state pension and wish to move abroad to another EEA country. This link takes you to the relevant NHS website which tells you how to apply - there is a phone number there you can ring and ask for the details. Many qualifying Brit expats use this scheme.
• The cross-border funding for the UK, is a separate scheme for UK residents, resident in the UK and is sponsored (paid for) by your local CCG and is normally initiated by your UK GP who refers you abroad because the specific treatment you need is not available in the UK.
• Many people (who can afford it) in Ireland take out private health insurance to enable them to use the private healthcare facilities there which are much better than the State system. My company has 5 sites in the south; because of the poor state of the publicly funded scheme, we pay for their private healthcare insurance.

Hope this helps.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Thanks Cynic, but that's exactly what I posted here several times (from post #6 ongoing). 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
 

And just to note that cross border is not only for UK citizens, but for EU citizens (or in this case Irish):
What is the Cross Border Directive and how does it work?1) How does this scheme work?
The Cross Border Directive (CBD) allows for patients ordinarily resident in Ireland who require and are entitled to public healthcare services to be referred to another EU/EEA* member state for that care and be reimbursed in accordance with the legislation. It will be a matter for the patient and his/her referring doctor to identify the clinician abroad and satisfy him/herself in relation to the qualifications, quality and safety of the services being availed of in the other jurisdiction. Funding will only be reimbursed for healthcare that is publicly funded and available in Ireland and which is not contrary to Irish legislation. Reimbursement will be made in line with published reimbursement rates available from the National Contact Point (NCP). Reimbursement will only be made to the patient or his or her parents/guardian in the case of a child. 2) What treatments are available under the scheme?
Any service which is provided by the public health services in Ireland can be availed of under the Cross Border Directive (CBD), for example

• acute/psychiatric hospital services – day, inpatient, outpatient care,
• community based outpatient care e.g.:
• dental/orthodontics services (some exceptions i.e. dental screening services in schools)
• speech & language services
• occupational therapy services (some exceptions i.e. assessment for aids at home)
• psychology services
• physiotherapy services
• disability services
• methadone programme
• ophthalmic (eye tests etc) services
• mental health services

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

Good Luck with trying to get the Irish Health System to co-operative on any of the above! also bear in mind if you do take out Health Insurance that there is a huge difference in the cost for someone like Moses and an old age pensioner. I think Moses pays 35 euros a month, we have been quoted around 500 euros a month for the 2 of us.

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

If you have a good GP and actually make them aware what you want, they will cooperate. Some might not even know what services are available and others just might be difficult, but it's your right and you just have to be pushy. In all honesty, I just want to help and there are options.


If you're not happy with your GP, go to a better one. Yes I pay around €35 through work, but even pensioners do not have to pay what you've been quoted. I know it can be difficult for pensioners and not everyone is good with computers, but family or friends can help. It's no different with any other insurance (car/home) and the ones who don't shop around will always pay more. This is also a good site Compare Health Insurance in Ireland | HIA

Re: IMMIGRATING TO IRELAND FROM SA BUT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS
 

apples for apples, in a nutshell

In the UK nanny state, both your parents could get free medical, prescriptions & travel pass.

UK: Likely after 3 years your Dad may qualify for Attendance Allowance. If they move to Northern Ireland, he will qualify after 6 months residence (different rules NI to mainland UK).

Attendance Allowance - eligibility | nidirect

House prices are higher in middle UK for comparable to Ireland

Council property tax in the UK is approx 5x what they'd pay in Ireland

Questionable wait times for healthcare & public hospitals in Ireland compared to mainland UK. Fee for service in Ireland unless one has high cost (over 60's) medical insurance

Cost of living : groceries, utilities - its a a balancing act depending where you live in each country

Income tax: how much income do you have- compare the tax rates (google is your friend)

Density crowded places, crowded spaces: Ireland ranks more favourable than the UK unless folks live UK rural, Northern Ireland is an option, or on some Scottish island (look at the isle of Bute)

Climate: well, its not as warm as SA, it could be an adjustment for them, especially when there are health considerations. Then again, central heating (no coal fires now) fixes the winter damp months.

Expect winters in the 0'c- 5c temperatures, summer, some hot humid days, average 15 -20'c

Take a look at Northern Ireland in and around Coleraine & coastal surroundings - its something worth considering that might work for your parents ;)