Travel insurance when visiting the UK

[JonathanC13 36]

Next week I am visiting the UK for the first time since emigrating 15 months ago. I gather that as a UK citizen I am still entitled to NHS services without charge, however was wondering if anyone in similar circumstances had taken out insurance to cover repatriation in the event of illness or injury? The idea of heading to the US whilst ill is insane obviously, but I have health benefits through work and nowhere to live in the UK.

[UKPaul 12]

Hi Jonathan,

I'm afraid that as a UK citizen you aren't entitled to all the benefits of the NHS as you are no longer resident. "If you are moving abroad on a permanent basis, you will no longer be entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules. This is because the NHS is a residence-based healthcare system."

I can't find evidence that UK citizens have any other health privileges (but I could be wrong on that), but I do know that visitors are entitled to free A&E treatment as well as at sexual health clinics.

I would check with your work regarding their healthcare coverage to see if that covers international travel, I believe that is the case with my american fiancee's family's insurance. If that does not cover it I would strongly recommend getting some travel insurance to be on the safe side.

There is some more information regarding the nhs for non-residents at these links:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/healthcare_w/healthcare_help_with_health_costs_e/nhs_charges_for_people_from_abroad.htm

http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/aboutnhsservices/uk-visitors/pages/accessing-nhs-services.aspx

[JonathanC13 36]

Many thanks for that.