Plans to tighten the rules for charging overseas visitors for NHS treatment have been set out in a n...
Plans to tighten the rules for charging overseas visitors for NHS treatment have been set out in a new consultation paper by Health Minister John Hutton.
Should the proposals come into force, many retired UK citizens who divide their time between the UK and another European Economic Area (EEA) country will have to ensure they have medical cover when they return to the UK. For many, this will require seeking adequate medical cover before they leave the UK, in the event they fall ill on their return and are unable to get treatment.
Changes to charge exemptions have been proposed for pensioners who split their time between the UK and other EEA countries. The new regulation would mean those who do not live in the UK for at least six months per year will not be eligible for free treatment on the NHS.
Mark Coleman, international sales director at CIGNA International, said the proposals would help to increase consumer awareness on the need for adequate private medical insurance cover.
'The real issue to stem from the proposals is greater awareness of medical insurance cover. Residents who divide their time between the UK and another country will have to ensure they have a transferable plan or a switch facility that allows them to take out domestic cover for when they return to the UK and international cover for when they are abroad,' he said.
Other proposals include changing the rules on charging for the treatment of UK citizens who have been working abroad for more than five years. Currently, those working abroad for more than five years who visit the UK once every two years are entitled to free NHS treatment. The new proposals would mean that anyone who has not had at least 10 years continuous residence in the UK with no extension would not receive free NHS treatment.
