British expats living in EU member states are facing the prospective “headache” of huge bills if they return to the UK and use NHS services, Express.co.uk reports.
The charges will affect Brits who moved to countries that are part of the European Union after the Brexit transition period ended on December 31, 2020. Under the new rules, those visiting the UK will be charged 150 per cent of the cost of any NHS treatment. The charge will apply even if they are British nationals.
Chetal Patel - from law firm Bates Well - warned that people will still have to pay for treatment even if they own a property in the UK or still pay tax while living abroad.
Ms Patel said, “That’s a common misconception, and people may not realise the repercussions.
“Many British expats may simply have not known that this was another hurdle to climb.
"This could cause a headache to expats as they try to navigate the issues.”
Jason Porter - a financial planner at Blevins Franks - cautioned that British pensioners may be most at risk from the new rules. Even if they receive a state pension, pensioners will still not be covered.
Around 460,000 British pensioners are believed to be living in the EU and are deemed to be the age category that is likely to need NHS services the most.
Speaking to The Telegraph Mr Porter said, “Someone in their 70s who started working from age 16 all the way to 65 in the UK would expect to be able to receive healthcare when they return.
"Britons wouldn’t think when they come back that they would need insurance.”
The new rules have similarities with those in other countries outside the bloc, such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada but each country's healthcare system is different, so it is important to check individual rules.
The Government website states that UK nationals who moved to the EU on or after January 1, 2021, should not expect to use NHS services for free when visiting the UK. However, they could be able to gain free NHS services if they present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), or S2 form instead.
This documentation demonstrates that healthcare costs are funded by the EU country where they reside, or that another exemption is applicable.
The Government website said: “Those who are not ordinarily resident in the UK, including former UK residents, are overseas visitors and may be charged for NHS services.”
The Government also advises visitors to the UK to take out healthcare insurance, which can cover their needs.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "The NHS is free at the point of use for UK residents.
“Visitors will be entitled to accident and emergency support and urgent services that they need.
“Visitors who require secondary care are required to cover the costs of this – unless they are exempt - and we recommend they ensure they are covered through personal medical or travel insurance before coming to the UK.”
Source: Express.co.uk
British expats living in EU member states are facing the prospective “headache” of huge bills if they return to the UK and use NHS services, Express.co.uk reports.
The charges will affect Brits who moved to countries that are part of the European Union after the Brexit transition period ended on December 31, 2020. Under the new rules, those visiting the UK will be charged 150 per cent of the cost of any NHS treatment. The charge will apply even if they are British nationals.
Chetal Patel - from law firm Bates Well - warned that people will still have to pay for treatment even if they own a property in the UK or still pay tax while living abroad.
Ms Patel said, “That’s a common misconception, and people may not realise the repercussions.
“Many British expats may simply have not known that this was another hurdle to climb.
"This could cause a headache to expats as they try to navigate the issues.”
Jason Porter - a financial planner at Blevins Franks - cautioned that British pensioners may be most at risk from the new rules. Even if they receive a state pension, pensioners will still not be covered.
Around 460,000 British pensioners are believed to be living in the EU and are deemed to be the age category that is likely to need NHS services the most.
Speaking to The Telegraph Mr Porter said, “Someone in their 70s who started working from age 16 all the way to 65 in the UK would expect to be able to receive healthcare when they return.
"Britons wouldn’t think when they come back that they would need insurance.”
The new rules have similarities with those in other countries outside the bloc, such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada but each country's healthcare system is different, so it is important to check individual rules.
The Government website states that UK nationals who moved to the EU on or after January 1, 2021, should not expect to use NHS services for free when visiting the UK. However, they could be able to gain free NHS services if they present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC), or S2 form instead.
This documentation demonstrates that healthcare costs are funded by the EU country where they reside, or that another exemption is applicable.
The Government website said: “Those who are not ordinarily resident in the UK, including former UK residents, are overseas visitors and may be charged for NHS services.”
The Government also advises visitors to the UK to take out healthcare insurance, which can cover their needs.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told Express.co.uk: "The NHS is free at the point of use for UK residents.
“Visitors will be entitled to accident and emergency support and urgent services that they need.
“Visitors who require secondary care are required to cover the costs of this – unless they are exempt - and we recommend they ensure they are covered through personal medical or travel insurance before coming to the UK.”
Source: Express.co.uk