visiting the doctor back home?

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Cheerleader!

I know you just wanna see me shake my pom-poms.

[SunDrop 59]

I'd just fill in my NI number on the application and that was that...they didn't make an annotation in his files that he was leaving the UK forever

Technically the fact that you had an NI number was sufficient for them to know that a Government agency had deemed you legally resident at some point in your life. And they wouldn't make a note of it but there's some complicated system of 'checking' dormant records that can result in you being removed from your GP's books after a while.

I'll ask at work, because it's a pretty interesting question.

My boss was the one who told me to come back to the UK to have any babies we might have She suggested getting my antenatal care done in the US, and bringing my medical records over closer to my due date. Somehow, I think not, having been apart for as much of our relationship as we have, I'm not about to embark on leaving him behind while I give birth! lol

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

You get an NI number simply for coming over as a student or on the BUNAC work program, which can be for a stay of less than 6 months.

Edited March 8, 2010 by Trompe le Monde

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

You get an NI number simply for coming over as a student or on the BUNAC work program, which can be for a stay of less than 6 months.

I got mine when I was on a term abroad in 1993, long before I became a resident. I used it again when I was over on BUNAC for six months, and then when I was properly settled as an immigrant spouse in 1996. I know my friend Oliver, who has been living in Hyderabad for the past 3 years and hasn't seen his doctor in South London for 4 years, recently walked into the surgery on a trip back home and was seen no problem. The lack of joined-up thinking and procedures in the NHS allows for non-resident nationals to do just this. There's no central database of NHS "baddies" (yet), and in reality it's not the people with British or American or Canadian or (insert first world country here) accents who are the ones being pursued, and it's not for coming into the surgery when you're back in the UK visiting your mum, asking for some antibiotics or to look at your sprained thumb. It's the people who are coming in for major surgeries, or long-term care of chronic conditions who are the ones being rightly pursued, and even then, not at a rate commensurate with the problem. Frankly, I don't give a fig if someone does go in for a one-off tickly cough. It's the people seeking kidney transplants who should be the focus.

[RUSSandRACHEL 3]

I haven't left yet for the US but have moved soooo many times throughout the UK and never told my GP. I stayed on their books and whenever I needed an appointment made the journey to see them. They never knew any wiser. I recently went to my drs to get my pill and got 6 months supply. Right before I leave in May I'm going to ask for another 6 months. My personal doctor knows my situation and that I'm emmigrating but simply says - you should make as much use of the free healthcare while you can

I think if you don't leave it too long (ie more than a year) I think if you returned to the UK, no one would ask any questions as long as you don't tell them you live in US now. Just make the appointment the normal way, go and get your prescription... You've paid your dues

I'm a cheerleader too haha!

Edited March 8, 2010 by RUSSandRACHEL

[SunDrop 59]

It's the people seeking kidney transplants who should be the focus.

Amen to that.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

It's the people seeking kidney transplants who should be the focus.

No need to mooch off the NHS for your new kidney. You can get a socialist kidney right in the US from Medicare. And you don't have to be 65 to do it.

http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-health/ki...g_for_Treatment

The costs of dialysis or a kidney transplant are high. But, some form of insurance covers almost all kidney patients.

Medicare: Most patients with permanent kidney failure are eligible for Medicare, at any age, if they, their spouse or parent have worked long enough under Social Security. Depending on which treatment you choose, there can be a three-month wait for Medicare eligibility. Normally, Medicare pays 100% of approved hospital costs (Part A) and 80% of medical expenses, including dialysis (Part B). Part B requires a monthly premium. The premium depends on your how much money you make. Medicare can also help pay for your medicines (Part D).

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

No need to mooch off the NHS for your new kidney. You can get a socialist kidney right in the US from Medicare. And you don't have to be 65 to do it.

Uh, I wasn't talking about Americans or expats in the US abusing the NHS for socialist kidneys. Perhaps I was a bit obtuse on that point.

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

Uh, I wasn't talking about Americans or expats in the US abusing the NHS for socialist kidneys. Perhaps I was a bit obtuse on that point.

Just thought I'd mention it since we live with kidney disease in our family.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Just thought I'd mention it since we live with kidney disease in our family.

My sincere apologies if I caused offence -- my uncle died recently of liver cancer and kidney failure, so I can sympathise to some small extent.