Retiring abroad-Healthcare
Health Care
The UK government strongly advises those moving abroad to take out health insurance to cover private medical and dental treatment, as well as medical repatriation to the UK.
Here are some of the things you can do to protect your healthcare needs:
- Find out about welfare rights abroad. Some UK benefits are not payable outside the UK, others apply only in the EU or in countries which have agreements with the UK
- find out about health care costs in the country you want to retire to. The Department for work and Pensions will be able to advise on your rights in EU countries.
- Inform your family GP, dentist and other relevant practitioners
- Take out healthcare insurance
Your healthcare in the EU
Most EU countries operate a healthcare system similar to the National Health Service (NHS) and these services are available to UK expatriates. But what is covered by these state systems varies from country to country. Standards vary greatly, too. Learn about the new EU Insurance cardIt makes sense to consider private medical insurance when retiring abroad. If you already have private medical Insurance in the UK, check to see if you can transfer it to a local plan free of charge and without any loss of benefit.
What to look for in Health Care Insurance:
1) The cost and benefit level of any international medical plan together with ease of use, assistance, and claims handling;
2) The quality of local facilities, hospitals, nursing care, doctor skills and knowledge of English in the area you are considering to make a permanent overseas home;
3) Whether or not you may be evacuated back home or elsewhere and have elective treatment in your home country too, if you so wish.
Useful resources for those Retiring abroad
