Now that I’m officially old and hobbling towards my dotage, I was somewhat relieved to discover that I’ll be entitled to free NHS treatment as soon as we touch down in Blighty. I will just have to pay the standard charges since I won’t be claiming benefits. This has been confirmed by an NHS website. It says:
If you move to the UK, you will not be charged for NHS hospital treatment from the date that you arrive, as long as:
- you intend to live permanently in the UK, and
- you’re legally entitled to live here on a permanent basis
This information was further corroborated by the British Consul in Izmir at a recent meet-the-emigreys beano in Altinkum. He said:
The UK NHS authorities had said that a British resident living out of the country for more than six months loses their right to the NHS but that right is instantly re-installed if they return.
So, no pretending I was never away and hoping for the best. Nor will I have to wait six months before re-registering with a GP. Maybe the rules changed when I wasn’t looking. Marvellous.
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