Returning to the UK for Treatment on the NHS after being out of the UK for a while

[Eddie45]

I was watching Steady Eddie latest youtube video at the weekend. Unfortunately Eddie has had a stroke and has serious health issues which showed up in his brain scan. Hopefully he makes a recovery. He has been out of the UK for 4.5 months so is still entitled to free treatment on the NHS. If you are out of the UK for more than 6 months I believe this changes. I googled it and was taken to the gov.uk website, there was some information on the subject but not what I was looking for. How do you stand if you have been living in Thailand for say 12 months and you get a serious health condition and fly back to the UK for treatment. 

[BritManToo]

5 minutes ago, Eddie45 said:

He has been out of the UK for 4.5 months so is still entitled to free treatment on the NHS. If you are out of the UK for more than 6 months I believe this changes.

It only changes if you are one of those 'who cannot tell a lie'.

Say nothing and they won't even ask where you've been!

[bob smith]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

It only changes if you are one of those 'who cannot tell a lie'.

Say nothing and they won't even ask where you've been!

well said, BMT.

 

well said indeed.

 

bob.

[Eddie45]

I was looking to find out the actual rules on this situation so I know where I stand if I end up in a bad situation like Steady Eddie. Touch wood it doesnt happen. Whats that saying plan for the worst and hope for the best.

[Keep Right]

Interesting, I continually hear bad things about the socialist UK insurance. At least in the United States those that retire at 65 are covered for health insurance no matter where they go and there is no limit of time absent from the U.S.

[In Full Agreement]

1 minute ago, Keep Right said:

Interesting, I continually hear bad things about the socialist UK insurance. At least in the United States those that retire at 65 are covered for health insurance no matter where they go and there is no limit of time absent from the U.S.

 

 

You are 100% mistaken about that Right.     No ifs ands or buts.

[Nick Carter icp]

22 minutes ago, Eddie45 said:

I was looking to find out the actual rules on this situation so I know where I stand if I end up in a bad situation like Steady Eddie. Touch wood it doesnt happen. Whats that saying plan for the worst and hope for the best.

 

   You just need to be registered with a G.P.

Doctors don't ask where you have been recently . 

I wet to see my G.P after being abroad for ten years and nothing was mentioned 

[theoldgit]

1 hour ago, Eddie45 said:

I was looking to find out the actual rules on this situation so I know where I stand if I end up in a bad situation like Steady Eddie. Touch wood it doesnt happen. Whats that saying plan for the worst and hope for the best.

This is a summary of the rules, there is a far more comprehensive document available which details the instructions to NHS Trusts to make the appropriate charges and to check that those seeking ongoing treatment are actually resident in the UK and entitled to access the NHS without charging, whether NHS Trusts actually comply with these requirements is another matter.

Emergency life saving treatment is free for all.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care

 

 

 

 

[Eddie45]

Theoldgit, thanks for the link. It says "If UK citizens who return to the UK on a settled basis will be considered as ordinarily resident and will be eligible for free NHS care immediately" and it also says that treatment at A&E and at your Doctors is free. 

[Upnotover]

37 minutes ago, Eddie45 said:

Theoldgit, thanks for the link. It says "If UK citizens who return to the UK on a settled basis will be considered as ordinarily resident and will be eligible for free NHS care immediately" and it also says that treatment at A&E and at your Doctors is free. 

My personal experience was positive.  Returning to the UK after 11 years I registered with a GP within a week, and she referred me to a cardiologist for a check up in order that my surgery performed in Thailand was somehow in "the system".  If I was returning permanently was never asked but I think a returning citizen meets the ordinarily resident requirement pretty easily.  Needless to say I didn't stay although at the time had no firm plans to do anything.

[theoldgit]

@Eddie45

 

This is the Guidance to NHS Trusts that I referred to in my earlier post. Guidance on implementing the overseas visitor charging regulations

[Eddie45]

Theoldgit, if you are a UK Citiizen and returning to live in the UK on a full time basis there is no charge so nothing to worry about.

[theoldgit]

3 hours ago, Eddie45 said:

Theoldgit, if you are a UK Citiizen and returning to live in the UK on a full time basis there is no charge so nothing to worry about.

That’s right, you’re covered as soon as your feet touch home soil, you might be asked for proof of your residency by NHS Trusts, but l understand that’s hit and miss.