CyprusLiving

Interesting articles for expat rights on medical care both in Cyprus and UK

http://cyprus-mail.com/2015/10/22/roadshows-spell-out-healthcare-rights-for-british-expats/

edit admin thanks for the info Streets.

By Bejay Browne
Changes to NHS availability for British expats returning to the UK and healthcare rights in Cyprus for expats living here were among the top topics of a series of roadshows held by the British High Commission in Cyprus which ended on Thursday.
The four roadshows were attended by staff from the British High Commission consular section and representatives from the department of health in the UK, as well as officials from the ministry of health in Cyprus.
All of the events were fully booked and Thursday’s presentation at Palia Ilektriki cultural centre in Paphos had over 220 mostly retired British expats.
The workshop highlighted the changes to NHS charging regulations with the aim of recouping £500 million a year by 2017 to 2018, which came into effect in April, and will affect former UK residents living in Cyprus.
UK advisor to the department of health, Martin Standing, delivered a humorous talk providing useful information about access to health care for expat Brits in the UK and Cyprus, changes to the law, and healthcare rights.
UK state pensioners who live in the European Economic Area (EEA) such as Cyprus, now have the same rights to NHS care as people who live in England. This applies to all pensioners who receive a UK state retirement pension and are registered for healthcare in Europe with an S1 form (formerly an E121).
However, people who live elsewhere in the EEA or Switzerland who are not working and are under the UK retirement age should either use an EHIC if they’re entitled to one, or make sure they have health insurance if they need NHS care when visiting England. Otherwise they will have to pay for their care. This includes former UK residents, and ensures that people who already live and work in the UK do not end up paying through their taxes for visitors who are not economically active.
Vice consul at the British High Commission in Nicosia, Christina Smith, also highlighted the importance of British expats living in Cyprus legally, and obtaining a ‘yellow slip’.
Representatives from the Cyprus ministry of health were also in attendance and provided information about access to healthcare in Cyprus for expats.
“We can issue medical cards to EU citizens residing permanently in Cyprus, as long as they are in receipt of their ‘yellow slip’,” one of the Cyprus ministry of health representatives told the Cyprus Mail. “EU retirees living permanently in Cyprus can apply for a Cyprus medical card by producing the S1 form and other documents.”
EU citizens residing for less than three months in Cyprus cannot apply for a medical card but are entitled to receive essential medical care in state hospitals by producing a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Family members of the card holder are also entitled to this service.
EHICs (formerly known as an E111) may not be used to visit a private doctor, as they are only recognised in state hospitals and health centres.
“The event was very informative and made clear what is and isn’t possible concerning healthcare issues for British residents living in Cyprus,” one attendee said. “I am retired here and so am entitled to the same treatment as a Cypriot would receive. If I decide to go back to the UK in the future, I will be able to access national healthcare from day one of my return, which is very reassuring.”
Over 700 people attended the series of successful roadshows in Larnaca and Paphos and each presentation was around an hour long followed by a question and answer session. Attendees were then able to meet the different representatives on a one-on-one basis, to ask further questions or clarify issues.

Further information is available by calling the Overseas Healthcare Team (OHT) on 00 44 191 218 1999 or [email protected]
Consular advice at the British High Commission in Nicosia: – 22 861 100