Expat Health Care S1

[Traveller0392]

According to the BBC, it seems the NHS are concerned once the Brexit negotiations are done, speculating they may return to the UK for treatment. http://www.bbc.com/news/health-40095822

[waddo]

Really quick this Government that voted out of the EU, I am surprised they noticed that may happen so soon or maybe they never did as the NHS has come up with the idea! Of course there will be thousands of expats going back to the UK for treatment but will they get it - doubtful if they have not lived in the UK for the 185 days required they will just be immigrants like everyone else. Unless of course they just lie about where they live - silly me, nobody would do that now would they?

[tomsteel]

A problem many non-resident expats returning to the UK for NHS treatment will face is acceptance into a GP practice, most of whom will do basic checks on new patients. Many practices are full, others are closing as GPs retire or resign and move elsewhere. Non-resident expats are NOT entitled to NHS treatment unless it is an AE emergency. This fact was stated at a meeting at St. Andrew's Church, Girne by the BHC rep some 3 years ago and despite subsequent BRS lobbying of MPs, nothing has changed. Just a confirmation of waddo's post above.

[Agobard]

I'm not too sure that an S1 or something similar would not be dealt with during Brexit. It is a reciprocal arrangement and if, for instance, a German citizen aged over 60 was living in UK, the German health ministry would have to pay UK for this at an agreed monthly amount. It seems to me that it would suit most countries where this applies to continue with some form of agreement.

It is also the case that if citizens currently receiving treatment in another EU country cannot get the treatment that they need in that country, they will be able to return to the UK for treatment without delay. This point was made by a friend's oncologist in south Cyprus where he is currently receiving treatment.

[waddo]

I think that the point everyone should remember is that once the UK is no longer in the EU then the British citizens - no matter where they live - will cease to be EU citizens. In fact all the happy campers in Spain who get their medical paid for by the UK will be in the same situation as the British citizens who live in the TRNC. Now won't that be a huge weeping and tearing of clothes about to happen in Spain? I can almost see the headlines now - "British expat having paid for NHS all their lives now have to pay for their own medical services" - welcome to my world, the difference being that I chose my world and knew I would have to pay because the Government of the UK would disown me - the poor Non-EU British in Spain will have to think again about where they live. Wonderful having a Government that looks after you isn't it???

[tomsteel]

And further to waddo's point above, all UK expats in the RoC, France and every EU country. I see trouble ahead from disgruntled, non-resident, not entitled UK citizens - join the club!

[waddo]

tomsteel, every silver lining has a cloud - lol. Keep your eye on the sales section, going to be lots more on offer there in the coming months I think!

[kerry 6138]

And further to waddo's point above, all UK expats in the RoC, France and every EU country. I see trouble ahead from disgruntled, non-resident, not entitled UK citizens - join the club!

I'm sure that a majority of these expats who will qualify ( lived more than 5 years in EU at Brexit) for nationality will become dual nationals and therefore entitled to medical treatment, same has Eu citizens in the UK.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... exit-looms