Do I need private medical insurance?

Please look at this:document explaining your health care rights (in English) It explains your healthcare options in English if you are a UK citizen.

Moving to an EEA country

The NHS is a residence-based healthcare system. Therefore, once you have moved permanently away from the UK you are no longer entitled to medical treatment under normal NHS rules.You must notify your former GP so that you and your family can be removed from the NHS register.You will also no longer be entitled to use your UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare abroad.Back to top

Receiving a UK state pension or long-term incapacity benefit

If you're receiving a UK state pension or long-term incapacity benefit, you may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK. You will need to apply for an E121, which you  need to present to the health authorities in your new country of residence. You will then be treated on the same basis as a resident of that country.It is advised to check what is covered before leaving the UK and make arrangements if necessary. Use the 'country-by-country guide' and select a country from the list for detailed information.For further advice, contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle)International Pension Centre Tyneview Park Whitley Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE98 1BACustomers who are in receipt of a UK state pension can obtain an E121 by telephoning 0191 218 7777  (Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm).Customers who are in receipt of UK long-term incapacity benefit can obtain an E121 by telephoning the Working Age Group Incapacity Benefit team on 0191 21 87644 (Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm).The ESA team contact number is 0191 21 87037 (Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm).If at any time in the future, you want to come back to the UK for planned treatment you must consult your new authorities to find out the options available to you. However, you will be charged in the UK, unless you can provide an E112 issued by your country of residence.When visiting the UK on holiday you should obtain an EHIC issued by your country of residence.Back to top

In receipt of other UK benefits

If you get a UK benefit, such as short-term incapacity benefit or maternity allowance, your healthcare cover is subject to different rules; the period of your cover and application criteria may differ depending on your particular circumstances.For more information, contact the International Pension Centre (IPC) or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).Back to top

Healthcare provided under the E106

If you move to an EEA country to live but not work and don't receive a UK benefit, you may be eligible for up to two-and-a-half years of state healthcare, paid for by the UK.You will need to apply for an E106 with the the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) and prove that you have worked in the UK and paid National Insurance contributions up to three years before your departure.For further advice, contact the Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle)Overseas Healthcare Team (Newcastle) Room TC001 Tyneview Park Whitley Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE98 1BATel: 0191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday 8am-5pm)The E106 will entitle you to treatment on the same basis as a resident of the country you moving to. This may mean that you have to make a patient contribution to the cost of your care.When the cover on the E106 expires, you cannot get any further medical cover from the UK until you are in receipt of a UK state pension. It is up to the country’s authorities to decided whether you are eligible to join their healthcare scheme. You will also be entitled to a UK-issued EHIC, allowing you to visit other EEA countries besides the one your are a resident with.