Health Insurance Blog

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Article Content:
If you have any plans to be living abroad in the near future it would be sensible to seek out your best options when it comes to the many different ways in which health care is provided across the globe.
Here is a resume of the various different categories which you might fall under

Working for a UK employer or self-employed

If
you are going to work in the European Economic Area (EEA) or
Switzerland, and continue to pay compulsory UK National Insurance (NI),
you may be entitled to healthcare paid for by the UK. This will include
any dependants that go with you.

You will be treated on the same basis as a resident of  that 
country. Make sure you check any country specific information before
travelling to see what is covered.

Use the 'country-by-country guide' and select a country from the list for detailed information.
However, if you are moving outside of the EEA it may be necessary, and indeed highly advisable, in some countries, to take out private insurance, thus giving you the peace of mind in this time of upheaval.

Working abroad for over two years

Once you have been working abroad, past a certain threshold, dependant NI contributions etc, British Citizens living abroad start being regarded as Residents in those countries, although most countries have their own insurance sectors, the legalese and jargon often means British people living abroad like to take out medical cover from companies with easily recognisable names, who you know have stood the test of time.

Moving to an EEA country

The
NHS is a residence-based healthcare system. Therefore, once you have
moved permanently away from the UK you are no longer entitled to
medical treatment under normal NHS rules.

You must notify your former GP so that you and your family can be removed from the NHS register.

You will also no longer be entitled to use your UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare abroad.

Receiving a UK state pension or long-term incapacity benefit

If
you're receiving a UK state pension or long-term incapacity benefit,
you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will
need to apply for an E121, which you  need to present to the health
authorities in your new country of residence. You will then be treated
on the same basis as a resident of that country.

It is advised to check what is covered before leaving the UK and make arrangements if necessary.
Use the 'country-by-country guide' and select a country from the list for detailed information.


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