UK NHS Changes Proposed

[chiang mai]

Interesting article in the UK's Gaurdian this morning about intended changes to the NHS rules, ex-pats will be delighted I reckon, the following extract tells the story:

"The changes will also protect UK expatriates by giving them access to free NHS healthcare for life once they have paid national insurance contributions for 10 years. At present, anyone living permanently outside the UK faces paying for NHS care they receive".

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jun/29/jeremy-hunt-immigrants-free-nhs-services

[Madgee]

I also read this on a feed from the Press Association :

"Expats, who currently face paying for care if they live permanently overseas, are set to be given guaranteed access to free NHS healthcare, but only once they have paid 10 years of national insurance contributions."

Fantastic news and about time!

I hope I never have cause to use the NHS services in the future but it's assuring to know I can, if needs dictate.

[chiang mai]

The cynics amongst us will argue that this is a political move intended to get votes and it will further endanger the NHS and cater unfairly once again to the silver haired brigade. I say those thigs are a bi-product of a move to close the door on health travellers and it also fullfills an obligation by governement in respect of past NI payments made by expats.

[theoldgit]

I understand that an expat who draws a State Pension and has lived in the UK for at least ten years already enjoys some free NHS care during a visit, over and above free emergency treatment which is available to anyone.

[chiang mai]

Indeed, full NHS care is available to pensioners, regardless of residency.

[bangkokrick]

This is great news and quite right in my opinion. We have already paid into the system so we deserve to use it when needed.

[piston broke]

This is great news and quite right in my opinion. We have already paid into the system so we deserve to use it when needed.

I agree (or + 1 as the kids say)

[seasia]

This is great news and quite right in my opinion. We have already paid into the system so we deserve to use it when needed.

I agree (or + 1 as the kids say)

+2

[breadbin]

I agree with expats paying for NHS treatment.

BUT i also agree that if you've paid your taxes and NI stamp etc.etc. for a number of years then you should receive it free.

I think my annoyance is with people living abroad and using and abusing the system.

Very difficult to keep tabs in I reckon.

That's why I think UK ID cards were a good idea but that's another topic.

[AbeSurd]

Indeed, full NHS care is available to pensioners, regardless of residency.

Really? First I've heard. Any chance you could provide a link?

Thanks for pointing out the Guardian article in your OP.

[chiang mai]

Indeed, full NHS care is available to pensioners, regardless of residency.

Really? First I've heard. Any chance you could provide a link?

Thanks for pointing out the Guardian article in your OP.

No, but if you google around you'll find it, it's been in place as a concession by Cameron for about three years.

[AbeSurd]

Indeed, full NHS care is available to pensioners, regardless of residency.

Really? First I've heard. Any chance you could provide a link?

Thanks for pointing out the Guardian article in your OP.

No, but if you google around you'll find it, it's been in place as a concession by Cameron for about three years.

Unfortunately it's not an easy thing to google. 'NHS' 'state pension' 'pensioners' 'expat' those terms bring up loads of irrelevant stuff.

Anyway I tried just now and unfortunately can't find anything. Just the usual stuff saying we're NOT entitled:

For example, here's the NHS:

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/movingabroad/Pages/Livingabroad.aspx

Incidentally, on a separate but related issue. If you click there on 'Receiving a UK state pension or long term incapacity benefit' (and then the link to the country-by-country guide and then 'Non EEA country guide') it talks about S1 and E121 forms and getting the NHS to pay for your treatment in your new country of residence. This was news to me. However there is no repicrocal agreement with Thailand, so no joy there either.

If anyone else can provide a link I'd be grateful.

Edited July 1, 2013 by AbeSurd

[chiang mai]

Indeed, full NHS care is available to pensioners, regardless of residency.

Really? First I've heard. Any chance you could provide a link?

Thanks for pointing out the Guardian article in your OP.

No, but if you google around you'll find it, it's been in place as a concession by Cameron for about three years.

Unfortunately it's not an easy thing to google. 'NHS' 'state pension' 'pensioners' 'expat' those terms bring up loads of irrelevant stuff.

Anyway I tried just now and unfortunately can't find anything. Just the usual stuff saying we're NOT entitled:

For example, here's the NHS:

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/movingabroad/Pages/Livingabroad.aspx

Incidentally, on a separate but related issue. If you click there on 'Receiving a UK state pension or long term incapacity benefit' (and then the link to the country-by-country guide and then 'Non EEA country guide') it talks about S1 and E121 forms and getting the NHS to pay for your treatment in your new country of residence. This was news to me. However there is no repicrocal agreement with Thailand, so no joy there either.

If anyone else can provide a link I'd be grateful.

Here:

You are entitled to NHS care if:

"get a UK state retirement pension or another state benefit and normally live in a non-EEA country. You must have lived lawfully in the UK for at least ten years continuously in the past, or worked for the UK government for at least ten years continuously. Your spouse, civil partner and dependent children are also entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if they fall ill. They must be living with you throughout your stay in the UK"

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/healthcare_e/healthcare_help_with_health_costs_e/nhs_charges_for_people_from_abroad.htm

Google: free NHS health care and UK pensioners (or similar)

[AbeSurd]

Fab.

Thank you, chiang mai.

[Kevin1908]

Picked this up on the Lonely Planet TT site.

"5 yrs ago I was legally living and working in the Uk and still have my NHS number but not the card.

I'm in central Europe at the moment and have an issue with my heart. Its a pre existing condition and thus doubt that my travel insurance would cover any treatment. I have an E.U Health ins card which is still valid but not sure if I can use it here in poland as Im not a resident of the uk anymore

Im thinking of flying to London to get a proper check up. I have an oz passport and thus remember there being arrangements between our countries re medical treatment.

Can someone remind how the system works now in the uk in case its changed since I was there. If I do fly into London do I then have to re-register at a GP clinic using my NHS number then get a referral to a heart specialist.

Or if its kind of an emergency can I go straight to any hospital? I believe that I might need an Echo cardiagram to assess my heart but unsure if this can be done immediately or is there a waiting list on the NHS?"

I wouldn't mind so much but normally Austrailians don't have a good word for the British.

[Jay Sata]

I'm in central Europe at the moment and have an issue with my heart. Its a pre existing condition and thus doubt that my travel insurance would cover any treatment. I have an E.U Health ins card which is still valid but not sure if I can use it here in poland as Im not a resident of the uk anymore

Im thinking of flying to London to get a proper check up. I have an oz passport and thus remember there being arrangements between our countries re medical treatment.

So an Australian passport holder living in Poland wants to fly to London for expensive heart treatment on the NHS free of charge?

If for some reason your insurance company does not cover the cost of your echocardiogram, expect to pay between £325 and £650 for the procedure. This cost varies due to your location and the setting of where you are having the test done---in a hospital or in an outpatient clinic.

If there is a heart issue we then have a visitor taking an NHS bed and very expensive treatment free of charge.

Just the sort of health tourism the new scheme will hopefully stamp out. What's wrong with Poland or Australia?

It may sound hard but I want my taxes and the UK medical system to look after those who are legally here and entitled not economic visitors from elsewhere.

Edited July 1, 2013 by Jay Sata

[MaprangHolmes]

ALL foreigners arriving in Britain will face a fee of up to thousands of pounds to pay for their healthcare.

The levy will be mandatory for everyone except tourists for any stay longer than six months in a new Government plan.

It will be paid upfront, before migrants know whether they will need any treatment and will be imposed even if they have private health insurance, The Sun can reveal.

The scheme — which hopes to recoup the £200million a year the NHS currently pays treating non-Brits — will be unveiled by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt tomorrow.

A senior source told The Sun: “The pressures on the health service are already huge with our ageing population, so we need to start relieving the burden.

“A migrant flat fee re-introduces the important contributory principle. Why should foreigners get treatment for free, while British citizens pay for theirs through their taxes?”

The charge’s exact figure has yet to be decided, and is expected to be put out to a public consultation.

But a heated row is raging in the Coalition over whether it should be set at a few hundred pounds or to several thousand, The Sun has learned.

And the proposals are already facing strong opposition from the Business and Education departments.

Ministers there insist it could hit investment and talent coming in to the country by making it too expensive for many — as well as slashing colleges’ and universities’ potential income.

The levy — which already exists in some nations such as Australia — will appear in the government’s flagship Immigration Bill in the autumn.

Mr Hunt will also unveil a new registration and tracking system to spot freeloading foreign patients trying to rip off British taxpayers

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/politics/4992800/Migrants-face-NHS-entry-fee.html#ixzz2XrhHIPz0

[NoshowJones]

This is great news and quite right in my opinion. We have already paid into the system so we deserve to use it when needed.

Sorry about slight change of topic, but OAPs have paid into the system all their working lifes, and still don't get their annual increases. Pure theft by the UK Government.

[rajyindee]

Here:

You are entitled to NHS care if:

"get a UK state retirement pension or another state benefit and normally live in a non-EEA country. You must have lived lawfully in the UK for at least ten years continuously in the past, or worked for the UK government for at least ten years continuously. Your spouse, civil partner and dependent children are also entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if they fall ill. They must be living with you throughout your stay in the UK"

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/healthcare_e/healthcare_help_with_health_costs_e/nhs_charges_for_people_from_abroad.htm

Google: free NHS health care and UK pensioners (or similar)

You missed the (relevant) preamble which gives it a slightly different flavour ...

"Visitors who can sometimes receive NHS hospital treatment free of charge

You are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if you are one of the following people and fall ill during your visit. You are not entitled to routine treatment for a pre-existing condition ..."

[chiang mai]

Here:

You are entitled to NHS care if:

"get a UK state retirement pension or another state benefit and normally live in a non-EEA country. You must have lived lawfully in the UK for at least ten years continuously in the past, or worked for the UK government for at least ten years continuously. Your spouse, civil partner and dependent children are also entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if they fall ill. They must be living with you throughout your stay in the UK"

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/healthcare_e/healthcare_help_with_health_costs_e/nhs_charges_for_people_from_abroad.htm

Google: free NHS health care and UK pensioners (or similar)

You missed the (relevant) preamble which gives it a slightly different flavour ...

"Visitors who can sometimes receive NHS hospital treatment free of charge

You are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if you are one of the following people and fall ill during your visit. You are not entitled to routine treatment for a pre-existing condition ..."

Screen Shot 2013-07-07 at 12.54.22.jpg

Agreed that a condition such as dialisys would likely not be covered. But this thread is to point out the rules are now in the process of being changed as long as a ten years NI contributions have been paid.

[diyer]

Emergency only treatment has always been free for visitors to the UK and that will still remain in force.

What isn't free is the aftercare. For years we've had overseas foreigners arriving in the UK with pre existing medical conditions and getting free treatment.

Americans and Asians arriving knowingly pregnant and giving birth in the UK when they would have to pay in their own Country.

Well that's coming to an end.

[diyer]

Here:

You are entitled to NHS care if:

"get a UK state retirement pension or another state benefit and normally live in a non-EEA country. You must have lived lawfully in the UK for at least ten years continuously in the past, or worked for the UK government for at least ten years continuously. Your spouse, civil partner and dependent children are also entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if they fall ill. They must be living with you throughout your stay in the UK"

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/healthcare_e/healthcare_help_with_health_costs_e/nhs_charges_for_people_from_abroad.htm

Google: free NHS health care and UK pensioners (or similar)

You missed the (relevant) preamble which gives it a slightly different flavour ...

"Visitors who can sometimes receive NHS hospital treatment free of charge

You are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment if you are one of the following people and fall ill during your visit. You are not entitled to routine treatment for a pre-existing condition ..."

Screen Shot 2013-07-07 at 12.54.22.jpg

Agreed that a condition such as dialisys would likely not be covered. But this thread is to point out the rules are now in the process of being changed as long as a ten years NI contributions have been paid.

Spot on rajyindee,

[bangkokrick]

This is great news and quite right in my opinion. We have already paid into the system so we deserve to use it when needed.

Sorry about slight change of topic, but OAPs have paid into the system all their working lifes, and still don't get their annual increases. Pure theft by the UK Government.

Well being someone who has done that I have to agree. Dick Turpin's

[chiang mai]

Emergency only treatment has always been free for visitors to the UK and that will still remain in force.

What isn't free is the aftercare. For years we've had overseas foreigners arriving in the UK with pre existing medical conditions and getting free treatment.

Americans and Asians arriving knowingly pregnant and giving birth in the UK when they would have to pay in their own Country.

Well that's coming to an end.

Just to be clear, the intended focus of this thread is to emphasise the positive changes from a UK ex-pat position rather than any other.

[DocTom]

I have found the UK Gov. proposal document regarding NHS entitlement.

It is long and detailes, and I cannot copy and paste because it is a PDF.

Some relevant points.....

It states that at present, expats of lower that state retirement age are NOT entitled to free NHS treatment, with certain exceptions (notably emergency treatment during a visit to the UK). But OAPs are entitled to free NHS treatment DURING visits ONLY. (Again there are similar exceptions.)

The proposal states that it recognises the unfairness to people who have made significant contributions to UK gov. revenues.

It seeks to make NHS healthcare free to all pensioners who lived in the UK for 10 years or more. (There is no mention as to whether this is for illness occurring during visits or whether pre-existing conditions are included.)

It also seeks to give the same rights to younger expats who lived in the UK for 10 years or more and are now resident in a non-EEA country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK.

I do not know what will be the timescale for the proposal to become law.

Here is a link to the proposal.......https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210438/Sustaining_services__ensuring_fairness_consultation_document.pdf

Hope this helps!

[dave2]

re

"The changes will also protect UK expatriates by giving them access to free NHS healthcare for life once they have paid national insurance contributions for 10 years. At present, anyone living permanently outside the UK faces paying for NHS care they receive".

wey hey ... im saved

but how do i get this on the plane ?

dave2

[nong38]

Wonderful, lets just hope they dont change their minds again eh!

[kannot]

As Im under 50 yet worked in the UK for 30 years , have paid 30+ years of NHS contributions and tax in the UK it looks like Im entitled to nothing then? until Im 67 yes thats the new age for my birth date, no doubt in the coming years they will make it 70 then 75-80 etc etc probably all waffle.

Went to hospital once when I was 9 years old, never been near one since.

[dsfbrit]

I have been trying to find how this proposal has progressed in the last year. My searches have shown the consultation phase was completed and that the findings were being put forward as part of a new law to be implemented. Then I could find nothing about any new law being discussed in parliament. Does anyone know of a source where I could read the latest on this proposal.

Thanks for your help.

[elliss]

NHS, reform is needed , the number of years and the amount of tax a individual has paid into the tax pot ,

should reflect on the level of treatment and the urgency of medical attention received .

Privatise the NHS asap . solve the immigration problem .