TexanScot

Actually you can if you're seeking treatment in Scotland.

Remember there's not "the" NHS, there's actually several distinct healthcare systems in the UK running under the badge of the NHS and each of them have their own rules and regulations around eligibility and charging.

Whilst you're generally correct that you need to be Ordinarily Resident in the UK in order to be eligible for non-emergency treatment, the specific charging regulations in Scotland state that anyone who has previously resided in the UK for ten years and has been working overseas for not more then five is exempt:

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/...ulation/4/made

I'd question whether or not it's actually financially worth popping over to Scotland to see a consultant, attend hospital, receive follow-up care and then return back to the US, but there are times when you certainly CAN do this and be exempt from Overseas Charges.

I do however think it's morally questionable to pursue "free" healthcare in the UK when you no longer live or pay tax there, but that's a whole other discussion