Health Insurance

Hi All,

I'm getting close to making my move on my Tier 1 (General) a feeling bit confused about my medical coverage.  I will be looking for employment upon arrival and believe that based on my status I should be covered under NHS due to my right to work, however I'll just be  covered for basic needs and nothing major like surgery, hospital, etc, is that correct? 

I tried applying for my NIN last time in the UK but since I was only there for a 1 week they suggested I call back when I arrive on permanent status as I need to return some forms in a timely fashion.  From my understanding once I receive my NIN I should then seek out a GP.

I guess my question is should I look into getting COBRA here until I find an employer or other insurance?  Not sure if this matters in the UK, but I'll be living with my girlfriend, any chance due to common living I would be able to get under her insurance?   How bout Travel Insurance? I've been told to get that when I travel outside the UK, good idea?


Sorry for all the questions, but I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed as I just put in my 2 week notice at work, the move is quickly approaching and my family is grilling me with health insurance questions.

Any type of support or 'to do list' suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
ShelterHill

Tier 1 (General) is not covered under the NHS until you are actually in employment or that you've been in the UK for 12 months whichever happens first. You don't need a National Insurance Number in order to register with a GP however until you've met the above conditions you won't be able to register as a NHS patient, you could however register as a private patient.

All persons in the UK are eligible to emergency treatment regardless of their immigration status so until you met the above you would be eligible for free treatment in an A&E only. Any prescriptions or additional medical treatment beyond the A&E you would have to pay for as a private patient.

As far as insurance you would need to investigate US Insurance Providers to see which of their policies (if any) cover you outside the US when you are no longer a US Resident. Travel insurace wouldn't cover you because you're not travelling, you're moving to a different country.

That's a bummer I thought there was some type of coverage.  You mentioned 12 months, at what point does that start?  I entered the UK for the first time since my Visa became effective in July (visa was effective in June) and I'll be officially moving in October.  So which timeframe starts my 12 months?


Thanks for all your help WebyJ!


Any other Americans out there who recently left the US to seek employment in UK?

That's a bummer I thought there was some type of coverage.  You mentioned 12 months, at what point does that start?  I entered the UK for the first time since my Visa became effective in July (visa was effective in June) and I'll be officially moving in October.  So which timeframe starts my 12 months?

If you start working in the UK then you are eligible to free NHS treatment when you being working.

OR If you don't find a job, then you would be eligible to free NHS treatment after 12 months RESIDENCE...residence meaning that you've lived in the UK for that period of time. So if you entered & then left the UK in July you were not a resident. So as I understand it you would not begin your residence period until October.

You can find more information here: http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=50250.msg861107#msg861107

Has anyone here purchased or aware of major medical insurance?  That was mentioned to me tonight as an possible option.  A quick search on google brought me to company by the name of Premier Choice Group in the UK.  If anyone is familiar with them or major medical ins? I'd appreciate any help as it's a bit scary thinking about a worst case scenario.

Many thanks!

I think there are one or two people on here who have health insurance- because of continuing coverage from the US, etc- but the majority of us use the NHS

However, several people do have "top up" insurance- like BUPA which allows you to jump the waiting list, etc - but for anything major you'd be under the NHS

So basically for Tier 1- once you find a job or are resident for 12 months (whichever comes first) you're entitle to full NHS treatment for anything- GP, surgery, hospital etc- and you probably wouldn't need full coverage

But hopefully someone can come by and answer your question- good luck 

Whenever I travel short term, I use IMG health insurance.  I've never had to use it for any medical problems abroad (thankfully), but it seemed to have pretty good coverage options and when I had to renew it once in the UK (my stay was extended), the customer service folks were helpful and friendly.

They do have a long term plan for Americans living and working abroad.

http://www.imglobal.com/img-insurance/international-health-insurance/global-medical-insurance.aspx

Is that something that fits what you're looking for?

Thank you so much Aquila!  This looks pretty good, I will connect with them this week and see what they have to offer.  Thanks again.

ShelterHill, you mentioned COBRA in your original post.  It seems to me that is the way to go for someone in your situation.  You can maintain the COBRA coverage until you get a job in the UK, when apparently you will become eligible for NHS.

As I understand it, you will be eligible for COBRA since you will be terminating employment.  You will have the same plan & the same benefits as you had under that plan when you were an employee.  You will most likely be paying a higher premium though..

COBRA FAQ...
http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq_consumer_cobra.HTML

COBRA might be an option but I need to double check on what that covers living and traveling abroad as it might be limited.  Also as you mentioned it will be very costly.  I'm also considering IMG as pointed out by Aquilla that might be a more cost effective way to be insured for major situation and coverage abroad. 

As I understand it, if you use COBRA you essentially get exactly the same plan that you had at work - with its strengths & weaknesses.  The insurance company is not able to strip away any of your benefits under the plan.  Certainly, all the plans I've had at different workplaces in the US have offered full coverage while abroad.  And I had a quick look through the COBRA FAQ (linked in my previous posting) and it did not mention the question of a COBRA user who is living outside of the US...

Certainly, all the plans I've had at different workplaces in the US have offered full coverage while abroad. 

I think that's important to note.

If the OP's US plan does not provide comprehensive coverage outside a certain geographical zone or outside an approved group of providers, it probably won't make sense to continue that plan with COBRA.