A question about the NHS & visiting UK Citizen

So my mother is coming in October to visit me (YAY!!) but has some health issues that could spring up while shes visiting me. Shes a UK Citizen (born and raised here), though has lived in the US for over 40 years and her UK passport expired and is in her previous married name. The last time she had (or needed) access to it, was in 1971.

She suffers from Type II diabetes, has some side affects related to that, plus a few other things. I was wondering, if something happened while she was here and NEEDED it (more likely wont) would she be able to access it without being fully charged? The last time she visited she wasnt in as bad of shape, and now as shes a bit older seems to be going to a different doctor at least twice a week.

Or should I just tell her to take out travel insurance just in case? I mainly concerned if we need to go to our local drop in clinic to get her some non-emergency care (as I know my GP wont be able to see her) and I dont want her to be turned away or be confused on how to handle her

Thanks.

If she's a UK citizen, I would think she would be seen at the NHS for free. But is she interested in renewing her passport? Not that that matters, but it would be a lot easier for her if she had a valid UK passport, I'd think.

Thanks
She would renew it but cant justify the cost in US dollars.. Maybe I can convince her to renew before she flies...

Your mother should get travel insurance. In order to qualify for NHS treatment without charge she must live in the UK. Her nationality alone does nor entitle her to free treatment.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074374

Ah, there you go. Good call - sorry about that, Kerri.

Your mother should get travel insurance. In order to qualify for NHS treatment without charge she must live in the UK. Her nationality alone does nor entitle her to free treatment.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074374

Thank you VERY much for that. I assumed as much, but always thought it be worth asking! I'll let her know

The Daily Mail (of course) has recently been haranguing about 'NHS Tourism' ("NHS is now a 'world health service': Campaigners warn lax system is too open to abuse by foreigners")

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2137185/NHS-tourism-Health-open-abuse-foreigners-risks-world-health-service-campaigners-warn.html#ixzz1x16soseV

So I should play it safe and have your mother get some travel insurance. You never know what attitudes you may encounter.