I have been in Abu Dhabi for nearly three years, but my company medical insurance is very basic and will not fully cover the cost of an operation that I need to have. I am British and paid taxes in the UK for over 10 years before leaving, so I just want to confirm that it is OK for me to return to the UK to have my treatment. Can I still be treated on the NHS (National Health Service), or would I have to top up outstanding National Insurance contributions before any procedure can take place? I have heard British citizens who are not residents can get treatment if they pay these contributions and also have a property there. I have not told the government that I have left. GG, Abu Dhabi
If a UK resident leaves the country and is working overseas and not paying income tax, they will generally be presumed to be non-resident for tax purposes whether or not they have sent the relevant paperwork to Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC). As you are not a UK resident you are no longer eligible for free treatment under the NHS. The payment of voluntary National Insurance contributions only counts towards the UK state pension and does not entitle non-residents to free treatment on the NHS. While this is what the rules say, it is very much up to the individual health authority to decide if they will charge you for treatment, but my understanding is that they are becoming stricter. There has been discussion about this changing but this is still under consultation and many think it unlikely there will be a change because of costs.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 20 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.com. Follow her on Twitter at @FinancialUAE
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