New NHS Regulations for British Ex-Pats


During our daily search through all new health news we came across a great article by Ayla Coraij on www.expathealth.org that we thought our readers might find useful. It outlines clearly the new British NHS regulations and how they are impacting the ex-pat community, not only here in Mallorca but in other EU countries.

Until recently, 2.2 million British ex-pats living in the EU, Switzerland or Norway, could coincide their visits “home” with a visit to their doctor too. However, new rules have been put in place to stop British expatiates from accessing the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) so easily.

NHS services used to be free for British people living abroard who needed treatment during a visit home. However, new rules have made receiving free medical treatment in the UK impossible without a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by their new country.

They will also be asked to declare their residential status in the UK if they wish to benefit from the NHS. If this is no longer the case (and they are not holding a valid EHIC), they will be forced to pay upfront for medical care, even in emergencies.

From the moment you leave the UK your health costs will no longer be covered by the NHS. This means the “grace period” in which former UK residents still had access to NHS after leaving the country no longer applies, confirmed the UK Department of Health. Many are facing a health “black hole” as they are forced to either register with the health system in their new country (a bureaucratic nightmare in certain European countries), or take out private medical insurance.

A British ex-pat living in Italy summed up her dilemma: “I haven’t registered with an Italian doctor yet as I haven’t got a residence permit in Italy yet, due to the kinds of bureaucratic delays that are typical in Italy. Without residency, I can’t register with the health service.”

Overseas British retirees have missed the firing line so far, as they are still entitled to free NHS as long as they have got a valid S1 form, issued in the UK.

This article was taken in part from www.expathealth.org and for more truly helpful health advice we really recommend a visit to their website.

Disclaimer

All content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.

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