Returning to the UK and the NHS

[shaurene]

Mate of mine here in the village with bad feet holes and sores lived in Southhampton been her 15 Yrs went back early this year registered with a GP who got appointment for him with specialist in the hospital they kept him in for 2 weeks treating him he had no problems.

Another mate with a bar in Pattaya been here many yrs went back for cancer treatment scans and operations no problems.

[Bernard Flint]

Mate of mine here in the village with bad feet holes and sores lived in Southhampton been her 15 Yrs went back early this year registered with a GP who got appointment for him with specialist in the hospital they kept him in for 2 weeks treating him he had no problems.

Another mate with a bar in Pattaya been here many yrs went back for cancer treatment scans and operations no problems.

Sounds great news for the ones who cannot afford private medical

[shaurene]

In most cases, a person will get treatment on the NHS at no charge however you will have to have a UK address.

HM Gov are supposed to be changing the system so that non UK citizens are charged.

My opinion is that if you have not paid in, then you should not get free treatment. But if you have lived, worked and paid national insurance for 40 years then treatment

should always be free.

What about all these foreigners from the EU country's coming in not paid a cent and get free treatment and all allowances. You have a UK passport and born in UK you should get all the benefits.

[Bernard Flint]

In most cases, a person will get treatment on the NHS at no charge however you will have to have a UK address.

HM Gov are supposed to be changing the system so that non UK citizens are charged.

My opinion is that if you have not paid in, then you should not get free treatment. But if you have lived, worked and paid national insurance for 40 years then treatment

should always be free.

What about all these foreigners from the EU country's coming in not paid a cent and get free treatment and all allowances. You have a UK passport and born in UK you should get all the benefits.

Because they reside in an eu country

[NCFC]

Once back in Blighty, just claim asylum mate. That way you will be given free accomodation, free social security and free NHS

Not far from the truth especially if you are elderly.

There are a few vulnerable elderly who should return, but feel 'the rules' won't let them.

Return with nothing or savings below 10K and they'll fix you up.

I returned after 15 years away. Had to register for a doctor and request an NHS number (not same as NI number) online. After this i used GP and hospital services immediately. I told the GP i had just returned from Thailand but there was no delay in using services. On the contrary the doctor had me fully checked out.

[Jonmarleesco]

It is - or was - under consideration, though I don't know the current status. Mind you, children are already entitled to free treatment. And there always has been an NHS card.

[Maroon Watcher]

I had Tonsil problems when I was young.

I had an ear infection in my 30's - Never asked for an address or telephone number.

I had moved to the south and back again "trapped (Pinched) Nerve" - same thing... no problems

They may have confirmed my address verbally?

But they didn't ask to see my passport or "Utility bill"!

Same with solicitors - Not got devorced/bought a house for years and not been in trouble...

[chiang mai]

I read that one has to have minimum 7 years contribution to get free nhs treatment,when you at retirement age.

I have checked many times, and as a non resident,and living in Thailand for 12 years, i am not allowed treatment, other than emergency,but chargeable for anything else.

If you draw a UK Government Pension you are entitled to NHS treatment and so is your legal wife.This is regardless of your 'not ordinarily resident' status.

The term "ordinarily resident" has been done away with, today we are either tax resident or we are not.

[Frank James]

Bet you Brits wish you had Obamacare!

(Just kidding.)

[NoshowJones]

If you're not registered with a Dr. already, just go and do it.

People once resident have notes somewhere that can be pulled.

Any questions, tell them you've been in prison.

If you don't like this idea, the by all means pay if you feel guilty.

Love the straight to the point replies

You're right though. No one should feel guilty when there are millions of people claiming things they aren't entitled too.

Look at the MPs and their "expenses", also their second jobs while still getting paid as MPs, and their generosity to other countries in overseas aid. If your British, get in there and get what you can from them.

Remember, the British politicians lie to you, so you lie to them to get what you can. 'Call me Dave' said "we are all in this together", so we are, they get their share, so it's up to us to make sure we get our share.

[Kwasaki]

You knew I would be here and if you go back to UK and want NHS treatment just fall down and lay in the uk terminal when you arrive and a NHS ambulance will come and get you.

Thailand for me is very cheap for health care.

[chiang mai]

For me it's not so much about the cost, it's the issue of quality - if we could have UK quality with Thailand costs, I'd be very happy.

[uptheos]

Mate of mine here in the village with bad feet holes and sores lived in Southhampton been her 15 Yrs went back early this year registered with a GP who got appointment for him with specialist in the hospital they kept him in for 2 weeks treating him he had no problems.

Another mate with a bar in Pattaya been here many yrs went back for cancer treatment scans and operations no problems.

Sounds great news for the ones who cannot afford private medical

Do you have many more lemons to suck?

Or is it those sour grapes you're eating?

Edited July 28, 2014 by uptheos

[jambco984]

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@jambco984, you are allowed to post the link and the first couple of lines of the story.

There has been a NI Card as long as I can remember.

This issue, understandably, comes up on a regular basis, a good source of information is the Citizens Advice Website charges for people from abroad

These are a few of the relevant points:

Some hospital treatment is free of charge for everyone who needs it, regardless of how long they have been or intend to stay in the UK. This is:-

• treatment for accidents and emergencies as an outpatient in a hospital’s accident and emergency department. In England and Wales, emergency treatment in a walk-in centre is also free of charge. However, if you are referred to an outpatient clinic or admitted to hospital from an accident and emergency department, you will be charged

You can receive free NHS hospital treatment if you:-

have come to the UK to take up permanent residence, for example, if you are a former UK resident who has returned from abroad, or if you have been granted leave to enter or remain as a spouse

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.

• If you 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

Thanks, I see someone else has actually posted the article that i read.

Thanks for the CAB info.

[Alwyn]

Hi. I can give you a first hand personal account about this. I returned to the UK after 13 years (for medical reasons) - prior to Thailand I had been in Brasil and so on, I had been out of the country a lot of years. I went to the local doctor's surgery to register myself and get an MOT done. They asked me for my NI number, which I know and my NHS number which I had no idea of. They just told me not to worry. I gave them the name and address of my previous doctor's - which was maybe 20 or more years ago and I was in. I had my check up (I had not told them the real reason I was back in the UK, just that I was back now) and put a few hints in "I go to pee a lot" etc, A couple of days after that I had a call asking me to go back in and they gave me the news I already knew about and 2 days after that I had my first hospital appointment! Since then I've had all sorts of tests including a bone scan and a half body MRI scan. I received an NHS card after about 6 weeks and also a prescription fee exempt card (because of the nature of my illness). I have a good amount of treatment in front of me including 4 to 12 weeks worth of every day treatment, nobody has batted an eyelid about my having not been in the country - although I did say I'd been back a couple of months (which I had). The NHS quality of service has been incredibly good and I have had no questions, That's my experience, I hope this helps you make your choice?

[jambco984]

I'll move this thread to the General Forum as whilst it's about health, it's not asking for health advice and it may be of interest to a wider audience.

Thanks for all of your help.

[slipperx]

Hi. I can give you a first hand personal account about this. I returned to the UK after 13 years (for medical reasons) - prior to Thailand I had been in Brasil and so on, I had been out of the country a lot of years. I went to the local doctor's surgery to register myself and get an MOT done. They asked me for my NI number, which I know and my NHS number which I had no idea of. They just told me not to worry. I gave them the name and address of my previous doctor's - which was maybe 20 or more years ago and I was in. I had my check up (I had not told them the real reason I was back in the UK, just that I was back now) and put a few hints in "I go to pee a lot" etc, A couple of days after that I had a call asking me to go back in and they gave me the news I already knew about and 2 days after that I had my first hospital appointment! Since then I've had all sorts of tests including a bone scan and a half body MRI scan. I received an NHS card after about 6 weeks and also a prescription fee exempt card (because of the nature of my illness). I have a good amount of treatment in front of me including 4 to 12 weeks worth of every day treatment, nobody has batted an eyelid about my having not been in the country - although I did say I'd been back a couple of months (which I had). The NHS quality of service has been incredibly good and I have had no questions, That's my experience, I hope this helps you make your choice?

Well the best of luck on a speedy recovery.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[jambco984]

Hi. I can give you a first hand personal account about this. I returned to the UK after 13 years (for medical reasons) - prior to Thailand I had been in Brasil and so on, I had been out of the country a lot of years. I went to the local doctor's surgery to register myself and get an MOT done. They asked me for my NI number, which I know and my NHS number which I had no idea of. They just told me not to worry. I gave them the name and address of my previous doctor's - which was maybe 20 or more years ago and I was in. I had my check up (I had not told them the real reason I was back in the UK, just that I was back now) and put a few hints in "I go to pee a lot" etc, A couple of days after that I had a call asking me to go back in and they gave me the news I already knew about and 2 days after that I had my first hospital appointment! Since then I've had all sorts of tests including a bone scan and a half body MRI scan. I received an NHS card after about 6 weeks and also a prescription fee exempt card (because of the nature of my illness). I have a good amount of treatment in front of me including 4 to 12 weeks worth of every day treatment, nobody has batted an eyelid about my having not been in the country - although I did say I'd been back a couple of months (which I had). The NHS quality of service has been incredibly good and I have had no questions, That's my experience, I hope this helps you make your choice?

Great post and thanks for sharing.

I hope you're better now.

I don't need the services at the moment but I do think although it is talked about every so often it needs to be brought up again and again.

People just don't know what they are and aren't allowed to do (read get away with). If a google search helps an expat out from any country they decide to live in with this thread then the repetitiveness of the subject is worth it.

It's OK if you're minted and you want to receive your medical here with your 5 star health insurance but this isn't always an option. People have a million and one different reasons for needing the NHS as an expat.

Keep up the good work people

[Robroona]

In most cases, a person will get treatment on the NHS at no charge however you will have to have a UK address.

HM Gov are supposed to be changing the system so that non UK citizens are charged.

My opinion is that if you have not paid in, then you should not get free treatment. But if you have lived, worked and paid national insurance for 40 years then treatment

should always be free.

Not true, actually. Just this year, a friend of mine got off a plane at Heathrow and checked into the nearest hospital. He had no address in the UK, but was admitted right away.

Was it an emergency? Well, I suppose it was and then again it wasn't. He had inoperable lung and brain cancer. He was receiving palliative care and was going into a hospice until some long lost friends turned up 2 weeks later and cared for him at their home till he died 2 months later

[jambco984]

You knew I would be here and if you go back to UK and want NHS treatment just fall down and lay in the uk terminal when you arrive and a NHS ambulance will come and get you.

Thailand for me is very cheap for health care.

I know you're here most, if not all the time Mr K

A nice bit of acting at the terminal might be a bit premature.

Possibly get through customs first then declare your ailments to the world and those around you

Thailand is very cheap you're right. For a headache and a sore throat and possibly a little more severe. Would you like your slush funds depleted due to the big C? I cant see that being a cheap un. Unless you have medical insurance

[wilcopops]

I read that one has to have minimum 7 years contribution to get free nhs treatment,when you at retirement age.

I have checked many times, and as a non resident,and living in Thailand for 12 years, i am not allowed treatment, other than emergency,but chargeable for anything else.

For 5 years I had full national health care in Thailand....it comes with the job.

Are you officially avresidentnor just on an O visa?

[Neeranam]

I read that one has to have minimum 7 years contribution to get free nhs treatment,when you at retirement age.

I have checked many times, and as a non resident,and living in Thailand for 12 years, i am not allowed treatment, other than emergency,but chargeable for anything else.

Interesting - I paid about 4 years but when I was a student and unemployed somebody paid for me so now I have over 7 years.

Been away for 20 years but did manage to use the NHS dentist on one return.

[mikeynodosh]

I returned to UK after 8 years in Thailand & went to my doctor with D.V.T. No questions were asked and received treatment straight away!!

[theoldgit]

Once back in Blighty, just claim asylum mate. That way you will be given free accomodation, free social security and free NHS

Of course that free accommodation could be in one of the numerous Immigration Removal Centres scattered throughout England and Scotland, while their claim for asylum is being processed.

The belief that asylum seekers get the keys to a house with all mod cons as soon as they step foot on British soil is an urban myth that the Daily Mail would have us all believe.

Certainly asylum seekers get access to the full range of NHS services, as do those incarcerated in British prisons, where incidentally some asylum seekers and immigration offenders are locked up.

It's also true that asylum seekers do get a certain amount of cash, the alternative is to allow them to legally work.

[jimbeam1]

I read that one has to have minimum 7 years contribution to get free nhs treatment,when you at retirement age.

I have checked many times, and as a non resident,and living in Thailand for 12 years, i am not allowed treatment, other than emergency,but chargeable for anything else.

Ah OK, I didn't read it like that. I read it as expats who have contributed 7 years, not pensioners. I'm looking for the official document if it has been published?

Thanks for the input

Yes I am sure that you are right.

Check out the last few pages of the UK pensoins thread running in general topics. I am sure it was discussed there, in depth.

jb1

[gamini]

You are supposed to be resident for six months before you can use NHS.

Thanks.

I heard that before also.

It appears a bit of cheekyness (not a word) will go a long way.

What about this ruling that may or may not come in this year?

The 6 months thing is madness. Suppose I arrive home and get sick a week later. I'm meant to struggle until the 6 month period is over or go private.

I got sick twice when I went on my yearly holidays to UK. I went to emergancy and had very good free treatment. (I have never worked in the UK)

[chiang mai]

It is no accident that NHS eligibility comes only after you passed 6 months of UK residency, as does UK tax liability, six months and you are tax resident again!

http://www.cambridgetax.co.uk/ctp/New_Residence_Rules.html

[Alwyn]

Hi. I can give you a first hand personal account about this. I returned to the UK after 13 years (for medical reasons) - prior to Thailand I had been in Brasil and so on, I had been out of the country a lot of years. I went to the local doctor's surgery to register myself and get an MOT done. They asked me for my NI number, which I know and my NHS number which I had no idea of. They just told me not to worry. I gave them the name and address of my previous doctor's - which was maybe 20 or more years ago and I was in. I had my check up (I had not told them the real reason I was back in the UK, just that I was back now) and put a few hints in "I go to pee a lot" etc, A couple of days after that I had a call asking me to go back in and they gave me the news I already knew about and 2 days after that I had my first hospital appointment! Since then I've had all sorts of tests including a bone scan and a half body MRI scan. I received an NHS card after about 6 weeks and also a prescription fee exempt card (because of the nature of my illness). I have a good amount of treatment in front of me including 4 to 12 weeks worth of every day treatment, nobody has batted an eyelid about my having not been in the country - although I did say I'd been back a couple of months (which I had). The NHS quality of service has been incredibly good and I have had no questions, That's my experience, I hope this helps you make your choice?

Great post and thanks for sharing.

I hope you're better now.

I don't need the services at the moment but I do think although it is talked about every so often it needs to be brought up again and again.

People just don't know what they are and aren't allowed to do (read get away with). If a google search helps an expat out from any country they decide to live in with this thread then the repetitiveness of the subject is worth it.

It's OK if you're minted and you want to receive your medical here with your 5 star health insurance but this isn't always an option. People have a million and one different reasons for needing the NHS as an expat.

Keep up the good work people

Being able to afford medical treatment abroad is one thing but quality of care is another. With my illness I did not want to be in Thailand, it's that simple really. In the UK i have no language barriers with doctors, they're not trying to ramp me up with unnecessary tests or treatments and the hospital where I am is number one in the country for my particular malady, so for me it was a no brainer. t

he important thing -as you rightly say - is others understand it is not an issue to go home and get good care. I should be done and dusted by spring next year hopefully and then will be able to get back to LOS!!

[Alwyn]

Hi. I can give you a first hand personal account about this. I returned to the UK after 13 years (for medical reasons) - prior to Thailand I had been in Brasil and so on, I had been out of the country a lot of years. I went to the local doctor's surgery to register myself and get an MOT done. They asked me for my NI number, which I know and my NHS number which I had no idea of. They just told me not to worry. I gave them the name and address of my previous doctor's - which was maybe 20 or more years ago and I was in. I had my check up (I had not told them the real reason I was back in the UK, just that I was back now) and put a few hints in "I go to pee a lot" etc, A couple of days after that I had a call asking me to go back in and they gave me the news I already knew about and 2 days after that I had my first hospital appointment! Since then I've had all sorts of tests including a bone scan and a half body MRI scan. I received an NHS card after about 6 weeks and also a prescription fee exempt card (because of the nature of my illness). I have a good amount of treatment in front of me including 4 to 12 weeks worth of every day treatment, nobody has batted an eyelid about my having not been in the country - although I did say I'd been back a couple of months (which I had). The NHS quality of service has been incredibly good and I have had no questions, That's my experience, I hope this helps you make your choice?

Great post and thanks for sharing.

I hope you're better now.

I don't need the services at the moment but I do think although it is talked about every so often it needs to be brought up again and again.

People just don't know what they are and aren't allowed to do (read get away with). If a google search helps an expat out from any country they decide to live in with this thread then the repetitiveness of the subject is worth it.

It's OK if you're minted and you want to receive your medical here with your 5 star health insurance but this isn't always an option. People have a million and one different reasons for needing the NHS as an expat.

Keep up the good work people

thanks for the thoughts! Paying for health care abroad is one thing but more importantly is quality of care etc. In the UK I have no langauge challenges with doctors etc and my illness will need some fair amount of treatment. I don't get ramped up for tests or treatments I don't need and luckily for me the Royal Infirmary at Newcastle are the number one hospital in the UK for my particular malady! So it was a no-brainer for me. You're absolutely correct, it's good to let know other expats know what the situation is regarding NHS health care. If you're critically ill, no need to worry about the rigmarole, just get back and get to a doctor!

[Alwyn]

Hi. I can give you a first hand personal account about this. I returned to the UK after 13 years (for medical reasons) - prior to Thailand I had been in Brasil and so on, I had been out of the country a lot of years. I went to the local doctor's surgery to register myself and get an MOT done. They asked me for my NI number, which I know and my NHS number which I had no idea of. They just told me not to worry. I gave them the name and address of my previous doctor's - which was maybe 20 or more years ago and I was in. I had my check up (I had not told them the real reason I was back in the UK, just that I was back now) and put a few hints in "I go to pee a lot" etc, A couple of days after that I had a call asking me to go back in and they gave me the news I already knew about and 2 days after that I had my first hospital appointment! Since then I've had all sorts of tests including a bone scan and a half body MRI scan. I received an NHS card after about 6 weeks and also a prescription fee exempt card (because of the nature of my illness). I have a good amount of treatment in front of me including 4 to 12 weeks worth of every day treatment, nobody has batted an eyelid about my having not been in the country - although I did say I'd been back a couple of months (which I had). The NHS quality of service has been incredibly good and I have had no questions, That's my experience, I hope this helps you make your choice?

Well the best of luck on a speedy recovery.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

Many thanks! I'm cracking on with it all!