No, husband is retired but doesn't reach full pension till age 65, (1 1/2 yrs) so insurance is just too high for us right now.

...and thus plays the "we're entitled because we're British" line for all it's worth. You'd think people who retire abroad to a non-EU country would work out stuff like this before they leave and find out in advance that they wouldn't be entitled to free NHS treatment if not habitually resident in the UK.

I have to say I think you're nuts moving to the US with your husband that age and having no insurance. One serious illness that doesn't afford you the opportunity to move back to the UK in a hurry and you're likely bankrupt.

Or an accident.

He has the "right' kind , if there is such a thing......but with complications that he has experienced the $750 went out the window a long time ago.

Well, I have to agree....in hind sight.....we were both so healthy prior to moving....living on luck for awhile I suppose. Family can be a strong pull.

Very strong, I can sympathize. These relationships (US/UK) aren't easy as in someone is usually leaving a loved one behind. I wish you the best of luck wherever you go.

Thank you AmerLisa. Yes, kids and grandkids on both sides of the pond.

Umm, then he doesn't have the "right" type because he wouldn't have complications if he did. Depending on the complications, how thrifty you are, how much time and effort you are willing to put in and how good your bargaining skills are, you can still manage it and the complications on a shoe string budget, just. However, it's tough and is not easy.

As far as I know there are only 2 types, either type can give you complications.

people who have not worked or paid FICA taxes in the U.S. will usually be required to pay the Medicare Part A premium ($410 per month in 2007).
Thats what I found. Plus medicare part A doesn't cover much.
As a former home visit nurse, many (just about all) of my elder patients were medicare patients. I used to go and beg sample of meds from their doctors office so some of them could pay the rent and eat. It was a sorry situation. Meds weren't cover as I recall that was in 2005. Insulin was, but set amounts and they paid out of pocket for extras

If you worked in the US for 40 quarters (10 years) and paid into the medicare system, your spouse should also be covered at age 65 if he is a PR or a USC.

How much would an insurance policy cost for both of you, just out of curiousity?

From what I've seen, over $600 a month for the lowest policy....now that he has been diagnosed with diabetes.....probably alot more.

I've put more than 10 years in so hopefully he'll be covered. But he reaches 65 a few more years before I do....will that matter?