Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > USA
Reload this Page >

National insurance contribution

National insurance contribution

Old Mar 19th 2011, 12:21 am
  #1  
Just Joined
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 15
helenjf is an unknown quantity at this point
Default National insurance contribution

Hi,
I've been living in the US for 5 years and likely to come back to UK at some point. Is it a good idea to pay NI contributions now to ensure I'd be covered for benefits in uk when I return? Pension, health care etc or would it be better to start contributing on my return?
Also, if you need medical attention when visiting the UK, is this covered by US health insurance or would the UK still treat you for free as you're a citizen.
Thanks
Helen
helenjf is offline  
Old Mar 19th 2011, 12:42 am
  #2  
Bob
BE Site Lead
 
Bob's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,167
Bob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond reputeBob has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: National insurance contribution

Contributing depends on your age, but voluntary contributions aren't bad value for money generally.

The NHS is mostly funded from general taxation and you'd be eligible as soon as you were resident of the UK. If you're visiting, the NHS would cover any emergency needs you might have. No idea about your US insurance, some might, some won't, some might treat it as out of network cover and be expensive etc.
Bob is offline  
Old Mar 19th 2011, 3:38 am
  #3  
Ray
 
Ray's Avatar
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Ray has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond reputeRay has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: National insurance contribution

Originally Posted by helenjf
Hi,
I've been living in the US for 5 years and likely to come back to UK at some point. Is it a good idea to pay NI contributions now to ensure I'd be covered for benefits in uk when I return? Pension, health care etc or would it be better to start contributing on my return?
Also, if you need medical attention when visiting the UK, is this covered by US health insurance or would the UK still treat you for free as you're a citizen.
Thanks
Helen
Yup .. pay into it ..its a bargain
Ray is offline  
Old Mar 19th 2011, 5:29 am
  #4  
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3
alextemple is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: National insurance contribution

Originally Posted by helenjf
Hi,
I've been living in the US for 5 years and likely to come back to UK at some point. Is it a good idea to pay NI contributions now to ensure I'd be covered for benefits in uk when I return? Pension, health care etc or would it be better to start contributing on my return?
Also, if you need medical attention when visiting the UK, is this covered by US health insurance or would the UK still treat you for free as you're a citizen.
Thanks
Helen
I have been using my GP every time I go back. Have i told him I moved away? No. And I wouldn't be the first expat to use the NHS either!!
alextemple is offline  
Old Mar 19th 2011, 1:24 pm
  #5  
Heading for Poppyland
 
robin1234's Avatar
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,454
robin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond reputerobin1234 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: National insurance contribution

Originally Posted by helenjf
Hi,
..........
Also, if you need medical attention when visiting the UK, is this covered by US health insurance or would the UK still treat you for free as you're a citizen.
Thanks
Helen
As always, health insurance plans differ. Mine covers me world-wide (as does my wife's plan.) This means that when we visit the UK, we do not pay for travel insurance. We've never had to test this, as we've never had a medical issue when visiting Britain. You'd want to read the details of your medical insurance, ask your HR Dept for help with this (if you have employer-provided health insurance.)
robin1234 is online now  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.