Can You Still Get NHS Healthcare If You Move Abroad?

The UK provides free medical care through the NHS for all residents and visitors. But what happens if a UK citizen moves or works abroad? Are they still entitled to free NHS healthcare? There are a number of rules and exclusions governing this provision.

The NHS website suggests that you investigate the healthcare provision of your chosen destination and they provide basic information about healthcare provision around the world. They also suggest that in some countries you may need to set aside funds to pay for services that you receive for free in the UK. For peace of mind many people who live and work abroad take out international health insurance.

If you are moving to another European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland on a permanent basis, you will also no longer be entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules. However, you may be entitled to free NHS care but this depends on whether you want to live/work abroad permanently. These are the main guidelines which are taken from the NHS website:

• If you move to another country permanantly you can no longer receive free NHS treatment. You will also loose your right to a European Health Insurance Care (EHIC) which entitles you to access to healthcare abroad.
• If you're receiving a UK state pension, or in receipt of long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. Healthcare cover will be provided on the same basis as someone 'insured' in the country you are moving to.
• However, if you move to another EEA country to live but not work and don't receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare cover, paid for by the UK.
• If you're going to work in another European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, and continue to pay compulsory UK National Insurance (NI) contributions, you may be entitled to healthcare cover paid for by the UK. This will include any dependants that go with you. You will receive medical treatment on the same basis as a resident of the country you're going to work in.
• If you are working abroad for a year or less but will continue to pay compulsory NI and tax in the UK, you will need an E101 form to show that you continue to pay compulsory tax and NI in the UK. To apply for and E101 for your employers or you as a self employed person shuld contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
• If your stay unexpectedly lasts longer then one year, a second period of up to 12 months can be applied for. If your application is successful an E102 will be issued. You will again need an EHIC to cover you for healthcare. For more information, contact HM Revenue and Customs.
• If you are working abroad for two years or more (up to a maximum of five years), your employer - or you if you are self-employed - should contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the following forms:
  E101: this will show that tax and NI contributions are paid in the UK.
  E106: this will give cover for yourself and your family on the same basis as someone in the country you are living in.
  

There are also specific rules for those working in the armed forces and nannies/aupairs as well as those who are studying abroad.