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Settling Your NHS Healthcare When Leaving the UK

When leaving or relocating out of the UK, you are no longer automatically entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules due to it being a residence-based healthcare system. As such, there are a few things you must do, from removing yourself from the system to planning your healthcare abroad.

In this article, we will talk about what you need to do to remove yourself from the NHS register and things you need to prepare when relocating abroad, such as registering for healthcare in European countries and securing comprehensive health insurance to further protect yourself.

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Settling Your NHS Healthcare

In order to remove your name from the NHS register, you will have to notify your GP practice. The process is the same if you have to remove your family from the register too. Once you have done so, it is crucial that you understand the health services available to you at your destination.

Moving to the EU

In most European countries, registering as a resident will grant access to state healthcare. Temporary stays can use EHIC or GHIC cards, but not when residing permanently. Workers posted abroad by UK companies may receive UK-funded healthcare. Pensioners in the EU may access UK-covered healthcare.

Exportable Benefits – S1 Form

Exportable benefits are social security benefits provided by a country that can be transferred or “exported” to individuals who move to or reside in another country while still retaining entitlement to receive those benefits.

There are two main eligible groups for the S1 form: pensioners and posted workers who are temporarily boosted to an EU country by a UK company.

Those with exportable benefits may qualify for an S1 form. You can apply through Overseas Healthcare Services up to 90 days before moving to an EU country. The form must be registered in the new country for healthcare access.

When filling out the S1 form, you will need an address. Those with temporary addresses can use the temporary address for the form; however, you must notify relevant authorities should your address change.

Once you have registered an S1 in an EU country, you will be able to use your UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access the state-funded necessary medical treatments even in other EU countries.

Protect yourself with Comprehensive Health Insurance

Whilst it is likely that you will have access to national healthcare when relocating to an EU country, it is still highly recommended that you secure your own private health insurance policy, whether it’s a local plan or an international health insurance plan, to protect yourself from unforeseen medical fees.

Top International Health Insurance Providers in the UK

The top 10 international health insurance providers in the UK include Allianz, April International, Aviva, AXA, Bupa, Cigna, IMG, NOW Health International, William Russell, and Vitality. From telehealth services to emergency medical repatriations, these insurers offer the best for expats in the UK.

Learn more about why these insurers are considered the best for expats in the UK in our comprehensive guide on Top 10 Insurance Companies in the UK for Expats.

If you are looking to secure an international health insurance policy, Pacific Prime can help you. Pacific Prime UK can help you find the right plan that meets your requirements and budget. From expat health insurance to family health insurance, our expert advisors are here to simplify your insurance process.

Get in touch with Pacific Prime UK for a free quote today!

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Content Creator at Pacific Prime
Vista is a content creator at Pacific Prime. With over 8 years of writing experience for online platforms on various topics such as luxury lifestyle and digital entertainment. He enjoys diving into complex and otherwise confusing topics, and creating easy-to-understand content for the readers to help them navigate through the topic - something that’s perfectly aligned with Pacific Prime’s motto of ‘simplifying insurance’.

Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.

In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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