Possible changes to expat Brits' access to the NHS

[Jip99]

Many african women arrive at Heathrow with a visa saying they have come to buy babies clothes.All are in the last stages of pregnancy.

The babies are then born in Britain at MY cost.

This cost is immense when you take into account ALL the contributions I was forced to pay into the NHS scam.

44 years of payments of which the mandarins cleverly diguised my true contributions.The employers contribution was also EARNED by the workers.[if you cannot work this out pm me].

Then those living in working class areas got crap overseas doctors as their GP's while those living in Knightsbride,Kensington and similar got English trained GP's.

Then we are treated [they try it on me] as beggars and lowlife scroungers by doctors and hospital receptionists..

Another scam is 'prescription medicine'

IE Ventolin, used by thousands daily costs 3 times as much in Britain as it does in Thailand..[The Thai government is not noted for its generosity]as it is only 'prescribed' medicine.

I am certain many other medicines needed daily are puposely put on prescription as it generates more money which can then be used treating poor foreigners who somehow get terribly ill the minute they arrive in Britain.

You seem to be jealous of a whole lot of people.

After making 44 years of NIC payments those sort of grudges are no way to spend your remaining years.

[KittenKong]

As for passport renewal, I am in the middle of that process now and, living in Chiang Mai, I am faced with an unwanted and expensive trip to Bangkok in the next few days. What's even more irritating is, having allowed over six weeks for processing initially, my apllication was delayed at Suvannaphum Airport for two weeks and my passport is now in danger of arriving too late for me annual visa extension.

Frustration? I didn't know the meaning of the word until I came to live in Thailand!

Probably not completely within the letter of the law but if I were in your shoes I would complete the forms for UK passport replacement and courier the whole lot to a friend in the UK who could forward it to the passport agency there. They do a 7-day "express" turnaround service which means that including the two courier trips (out and return) it should only take about 14 days total.

[awayego]

As for passport renewal, I am in the middle of that process now and, living in Chiang Mai, I am faced with an unwanted and expensive trip to Bangkok in the next few days. What's even more irritating is, having allowed over six weeks for processing initially, my apllication was delayed at Suvannaphum Airport for two weeks and my passport is now in danger of arriving too late for me annual visa extension.

Frustration? I didn't know the meaning of the word until I came to live in Thailand!

Probably not completely within the letter of the law but if I were in your shoes I would complete the forms for UK passport replacement and courier the whole lot to a friend in the UK who could forward it to the passport agency there. They do a 7-day "express" turnaround service which means that including the two courier trips (out and return) it should only take about 14 days total.

Yes, good idea. Unfortunately, too late for me! My application is already in and, I hope, in final stage of processing

[keithcresswell]

There could be a trade off, however. Don't forget that tucked away in this year's budget the government announced that they are considering doing away with the income tax personal allowance for expats.

[Andre0720]

I wish Canada would also consider the long time contributors of 20 years or more

.

at least to the same extent as newcomers who only resided for 3 months.

[joebrown]

I am an Expat living in Thailand with a UK passport. I'm also a pensioner who has paid NI contributions for 40 years and still has to pay Income Tax to HMG with no benefits except for a 'frozen' monthly pension. If I was an expat in a 'qualifying'/EU country my benefits would be the same as a UK resident. If healthcare costs here in Thailand are less expensive than in the UK would it not make sense to have some form of 'arrangement' to be made between the UK and Thai Healthcare systems so that a return trip back to the UK is unnecessary?? Wishful thinking, I know!!

[evadgib]

This article is very misleading. It tries to oversimplify the situation for British citizens who stay outside the UK, most of which have never immigrated to Thailand (hence NON-Immigrant status) and as such have never emigrated from the UK.

I have lived in Thailand (on NON-immigrant visas) for 13 years, last year I took a short trip to the UK and needed some treatment whilst I was there.. I had to fight for my rights, but in the end the hospital treated me, as was my right.

True Brits staying in Thailand who are not truly resident in Thailand (99% of us) NEVER lose their right to NHS treatment the moment they set foot on british soil, it's just that there is a lot of bad advice offered to them, and they shoot themselves in the foot of they think they reside here, when they do not.

IMO O think you are wrong.

As an expat spending more than 6 months out of the country (the article talks of 3 but I thought it was 6) you do not have an 'entitlement' and the NHS would be within their rights to charge for their services.

However, as uptheos (and others) have pointed out, you will not be denied treatment it.

There is nothing misleading about the article at all it sets out clearly what the requirements are i.e. 7 years NICs.

Forget NHS rules, they mean nothing. Look up the legislation instead, I had to print a copy and take it to the hospital, after 4 hours and a lot of crap from the receptionist they admitted I was correct and I got an apology.

No matter how long you are away, if you are a true brit (not a recent import) and you have not taken up legal residency in another country (as 99% of brits here have not) then 100% of your rights are reinstated the moment you set foot on british soil (you have to state that it's your intention to stay, no evidence of this intent may be requested).

Veterans, particularly those receiving war pensions, can push to the front of the queue for treatment under current legislation for conditions relating to service without feeling the least bit guilty.

[Jip99]

There could be a trade off, however. Don't forget that tucked away in this year's budget the government announced that they are considering doing away with the income tax personal allowance for expats.

No they didn't.

They said they would consult on expat personal allowances to ensure they were appropriate.

Ay no point has anyone said they are considering doing away with them - that is simply scaremongering.

I am not saying that they won't do away with them ( I don't believe they will) but to say anything is pure speculation.

[BigC]

About bloody time! They have realised (at last) that their stupid rules are totally unenforceable and a vote loser too, so now they want to appear to give something, big frigging deal. I see my GP and the miserable old bat on reception every year, even show him scans, blood tests etc. He knows I'm not milking the NHS and has never said anything apart from "that's cheap".

I have threatened expose him as a Peterborough United supporter, so maybe that helps.

In theory if foreigners go to England and don't pay into national health and still get free treatment then english nationals should get benefits if we have paid in for years and now love abroad

[Card]

Who wants to die waiting for treatement on a trolley in a draughty corridor?

[NoshowJones]

I see loop holes in this statement and my trust in the British government is at an all time low.In my home town they can not afford to keep the street lights on of evening and dont get me started on the audit of the disabled under the guise of benefit reform.It seems every time we get a statement proclaiming a new policy for the benefit of the people its because they have a doozzy of a reform just around the corner, give with one hand and take with the other.

I hope I am wrong but as always i will remain a cynic.

You can't go around carrying chips on your shoulder all the time.

I am happy to put cynicism on one side and applaud this announcement. I am equally happy to believe that it will come to fruition - it has passed far enough through the system.

As well as offering a rightful option for British expats, I also hope it means that free treatment is denied to immigrants until they have 'qualified'.

You are right Mr Jip, but one more thing, what about expats who do not get their annual state pension increases? The UK government is blatantly stealing money from them. Can you blame any of them for carrying chips on their shoulder? They have paid into it all their working lives.

[OldgitTom]

A 'reform' that amounts to four-fifths of f-all. If expats have made the necessary payments & have a UK passport, they should get the medical reatment, irrespective of place of residence. What cynical swine these Conservative pols are (& I include their NuLabor clones)! If a sick, old, expat has the necessary money for a flight back to the UK, plus enuf to set up in a new place of residence, he would not NEED the NHS in most cases. He could get many treatments cheaper inside Thai. This measure will mainly benefit the jet-setter, affluent end of the expat community, Expat pensioners generally are a saving to their gov. They have paid their own medical expenses for years, & they cannot claim the supplementary benefits available to UK pensioners. Thieving, tight-fisted ********.

[NoshowJones]

The real point is People are walking in to the UK are doing so because they get everything free.

THIS should be stopped

They do Not want to be British, they do Not want to adopt British laws and Culture.

They just want to take.

You are right, just as long as you are not referring to UK expats who have paid many years of NI contributions.

[evadgib]

There are several disrespects in England for expats in Thailand (and other countries) supported and carried on by both, 10. Downing Street and the Westminster Parliament ....

There is a frozen state pension, No right to take part in elections anymore, and NHS is available only after being 6 months back in UK.

This isn't helped by the press using stock photos depicting well off OAP's @Beach or BBQ whenever the topic arises, or SUN readers thinking we're plundering their taxes instead of realizing that we too are taxpayers that are being short-changed.

Now in order to renew the passport the chaps in the north of Thailand have to travel to Bangkok, that is a journey of 1000 KM and it takes 10 hrs via road travel, and that has to be done four times ...

two times in, and two times out, it is 40 hrs and expensive.

One wonders why passport applications can not be made via postage anymore in Thailand, it still exists in nearby S.E Asia border countries, thus the question is ... why, why ...

1. Haat Yai & Udon are just as far.

2. Thailand is the fraud capital of the universe although I share the view that there must be easier ways to proceed.

Retired UK expats have paid state contributions during their entire working life in England, but get no respect of it, and the frozen state pension is a shocking political activity.

Those affected could fill 80 average parliamentary constituencies which perhaps explains why they're disenfranchised from the register after 15 years/2-3 elections. Pensions & Passports are covered elsewhere so i'll leave it at that.

Edited April 26, 2014 by evadgib

[evadgib]

Who wants to die waiting for treatement on a trolley in a draughty corridor?

Who wants to live with no chance of covering a million plus baht bill?

Edited April 26, 2014 by evadgib

[wineman]

I will believe this when I see it. Most probably incorrect like the Thai Insurance for Farangs report.

[Card]

Who wants to die waiting for treatement on a trolley in a draughty corridor?

Who wants to live with no chance of covering a million plus baht bill?

I guess those who don't provide for themselves properly.

[evadgib]

Who wants to die waiting for treatement on a trolley in a draughty corridor?

Who wants to live with no chance of covering a million plus baht bill?

I guess those who don't provide for themselves properly.

Or have pre existing coกditions offering insurers a...

[SICHONSTEVE]

About bloody time! They have realised (at last) that their stupid rules are totally unenforceable and a vote loser too, so now they want to appear to give something, big frigging deal. I see my GP and the miserable old bat on reception every year, even show him scans, blood tests etc. He knows I'm not milking the NHS and has never said anything apart from "that's cheap".

I have threatened expose him as a Peterborough United supporter, so maybe that helps.

Leyton Orient is my second favourite team after the 'mighty' Spurs!!!

[Jip99]

I see loop holes in this statement and my trust in the British government is at an all time low.In my home town they can not afford to keep the street lights on of evening and dont get me started on the audit of the disabled under the guise of benefit reform.It seems every time we get a statement proclaiming a new policy for the benefit of the people its because they have a doozzy of a reform just around the corner, give with one hand and take with the other.

I hope I am wrong but as always i will remain a cynic.

You can't go around carrying chips on your shoulder all the time.

I am happy to put cynicism on one side and applaud this announcement. I am equally happy to believe that it will come to fruition - it has passed far enough through the system.

As well as offering a rightful option for British expats, I also hope it means that free treatment is denied to immigrants until they have 'qualified'.

You are right Mr Jip, but one more thing, what about expats who do not get their annual state pension increases? The UK government is blatantly stealing money from them. Can you blame any of them for carrying chips on their shoulder? They have paid into it all their working lives.

I don't disagree - and the iniquitous expat pension situation is well covered on another thread.

I think my point was that if you have made 44 years NIC payments you are probably at least 60 years old and what use is it harboring pointless grudges in the twilight years of your life. Life is too short to worry about fat-cat bankers, immigrants to a country we are no longer part of and anyone else who something we don't.

Enjoy those remaining years that you have worked for and see positive changes (such as this announcement) for what they are.

[Muhendis]

When the restriction was put in place there were few UK citizens who lived outside the UK so it must have seemed a simple idea to grant free health care to anyone with a UK address on the assumption that they had a job and were making some contribution to the welfare state. This would then preclude non UK citizens from "milking" the system. The passage of time has brought us to the present where many have retired to Spain etc. and governments, of all colours, were pitifully slow to take this into account.

All we need now is for the inflationary pension increases to be granted to expats........ but don't hold your breath on that one.

[super22k]

Maroon Watcher is right. The system is being abused by people who are looking for free handouts an yet hate the British way of life. I was in a Chiang Mai pharmacy the other day and this Italian man was beaing given some medicines.He was horrified when he learned he had to pay. He said he lived in Englandand was used to getting them for free.

[Briggsy]

This is part of the move towards a more European style health service in which your contributions play a part in access to the system (Don't think American insurance-type system, totally different). It will be a slow and steady process over many years.

[a99az]

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Don't forget to bring plenty of cash for your rent, gas, electric, council tax, water rates and some change for food. It will take a few weeks to provide prof that you are now an "Habitual Resident" (HRT Test) Then you can get support for all. But yes you could use the NHS

Good post

I see loop holes in this statement and my trust in the British government is at an all time low.In my home town they can not afford to keep the street lights on of evening and dont get me started on the audit of the disabled under the guise of benefit reform.It seems every time we get a statement proclaiming a new policy for the benefit of the people its because they have a doozzy of a reform just around the corner, give with one hand and take with the other.

I hope I am wrong but as always i will remain a cynic.

You can't go around carrying chips on your shoulder all the time.

I am happy to put cynicism on one side and applaud this announcement. I am equally happy to believe that it will come to fruition - it has passed far enough through the system.

As well as offering a rightful option for British expats, I also hope it means that free treatment is denied to immigrants until they have 'qualified'.

However, to get free treatment one has to pay about 700gbp to get home, and not a nice journey if sick. I pay 17000 baht for an AXA medical healthcare, and covers me Reasonably well, but no doubt i will have to contribute for anything very serious

I agree. It is not easy to travel if you are in a coma and health insurance in Thailand remains a 'must'.

However, it is nice to know that the option will now exist to travel back to the UK. I, for one, will certainly take that option should the need arise - as long as I am fit to travel.

[Frank James]

Must be getting close to election time in UK. They know you old guys are dependable for voting if they make as if to throw you a bone. Wish we had NHS in the USA.

[SteveH]

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Then go on a 6 months waiting list, just for a gp, then god knows how long for a hospital visit.I am sure that i dont have a gp, not seen him for 15 years

What a load of old tosh

Indeed.

I have regularly supported your view that if you roll up requiring treatment - you will get it. End of story - the proposed changes just legitimise that.

Instinctively, I made sure I retained a UK address, UK bank account and UK doctor.

My brother, who lives in India, was sick while visiting my Father a couple of years ago, he went to see my Fathers GP and was told that he can't see him and that he must go to A & E. He was told that he could sign up to the GP,s practice after 6 months. Retaining a U.K. presence is a very sensible way to go.

[robertson468]

I see loop holes in this statement and my trust in the British government is at an all time low.In my home town they can not afford to keep the street lights on of evening and dont get me started on the audit of the disabled under the guise of benefit reform.It seems every time we get a statement proclaiming a new policy for the benefit of the people its because they have a doozzy of a reform just around the corner, give with one hand and take with the other.

I hope I am wrong but as always i will remain a cynic.

You can't go around carrying chips on your shoulder all the time.

I am happy to put cynicism on one side and applaud this announcement. I am equally happy to believe that it will come to fruition - it has passed far enough through the system.

As well as offering a rightful option for British expats, I also hope it means that free treatment is denied to immigrants until they have 'qualified'.

Good post

However, to get free treatment one has to pay about 700gbp to get home, and not a nice journey if sick. I pay 17000 baht for an AXA medical healthcare, and covers me Reasonably well, but no doubt i will have to contribute for anything very serious

You will also find that after a certain age (normally 70 years) Insurance Companies will not cover you - then what?

Having achieved this, for which I applaud the Government, hopefully the next step is to ensure every Pensioner receives the annual increases, which at the moment we do not, due to our domicile outside the UK.

[bigbamboo]

This article is very misleading. It tries to oversimplify the situation for British citizens who stay outside the UK, most of which have never immigrated to Thailand (hence NON-Immigrant status) and as such have never emigrated from the UK.

I have lived in Thailand (on NON-immigrant visas) for 13 years, last year I took a short trip to the UK and needed some treatment whilst I was there.. I had to fight for my rights, but in the end the hospital treated me, as was my right.

True Brits staying in Thailand who are not truly resident in Thailand (99% of us) NEVER lose their right to NHS treatment the moment they set foot on british soil, it's just that there is a lot of bad advice offered to them, and they shoot themselves in the foot of they think they reside here, when they do not.

Excellent point in saying that we are non immigrants and therefore we cannot have emigrated from the UK. Unfortunately our government took the view that if you don't live in the UK you are not a resident. Kind of makes you empathise with the Rohingya.

This move is long overdue. Just hope it has legs.

Edited April 26, 2014 by bigbamboo

[technologybytes]

This article is very misleading. It tries to oversimplify the situation for British citizens who stay outside the UK, most of which have never immigrated to Thailand (hence NON-Immigrant status) and as such have never emigrated from the UK.

I have lived in Thailand (on NON-immigrant visas) for 13 years, last year I took a short trip to the UK and needed some treatment whilst I was there.. I had to fight for my rights, but in the end the hospital treated me, as was my right.

True Brits staying in Thailand who are not truly resident in Thailand (99% of us) NEVER lose their right to NHS treatment the moment they set foot on british soil, it's just that there is a lot of bad advice offered to them, and they shoot themselves in the foot of they think they reside here, when they do not.

Whilst I agree with your sentiments, the reality, at least in my experience, is different. For one thing as a 'non-resident' by HMC&R definition (who's rules prevail) I am simply not entitled to free health cover if I return to UK, even for a couple of weeks.

Furthermore, the practice manager of my GP's practice in UK confirmed in writing that I was no longer entitled and would have to pay for treatment.

Doubtless, if push came to shove, and I turned up at a hospital in urgent need of treatment, I would receive it regardless of 'rules'.

Unfortunately, it is HMC&R who implement and enforce 'residency' rather than your or my interpretation.

This reform to the rules is long overdue.

Well my experience was in a hospital and not at a GP surgery.

The bottom line is that if you state it's your "intention" to resettle in the UK then you have the same rights as if you never left. This "intention" may be a temporary state of mind and no proof may be requested.

However, I have no idea how this relates to registering at a GP, only getting treatment in a hospital.

If you are in receipt of a state pension then you don't even need to state an intention to stay.

[kiwiinasia]

Bloody cheek giving away tax payers money like this.

Obviously Cameron and his friends are WETS!