Keeping Healthy
If I go and live abroad will I have to pay for my health care "up front" or will it all be paid for?
Payment for health services abroad for UK citizens will depend on the country concerned and whether state and/or private care is available. In some countries you will be required to contribute to a compulsory health insurance scheme. In other countries a person may be excluded from state medical provision as a condition of entry. Australia for example excludes UK nationals from joining its Medicard programme.
If you move to a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) you will usually be entitled to the same state medical and health services as nationals of the country concerned.
Entitlement usually depends on the payment of national insurance contributions either in the UK or another EEA country.
If you are moving to an EEA country to retire then your health care will be paid for by the UK National Health Service. To qualify you need to have paid UK national insurance contributions and be receiving a UK benefit, for example retirement pension.
I'm worried about bird flu. I'm 67 years old and keep reading that pensioners are particularly at risk in major flu outbreaks, but my doctor won't give me a bird flu injection. What should I do?
Bird flu is a specific strain which infects birds and so far has only affected other animals and humans if they come into contact with infected birds. There have not as yet been any cases of human-to-human transmission, but there is a risk that the virus could mutate into a form that would pass more easily between humans. If that were to happen a flu pandemic could develop. This is because the bird flu virus is a completely new strain which has not previously affected humans, so that if it starts to spread between humans it is likely that many more people throughout the world will get it and that its symptoms will be more severe than usual. Pandemic is simply the word that is used to describe a severe outbreak of disease once it affects a specific proportion of the population.
No pandemic has developed yet but the World Health Organisation predicts that there may be one. This would not be the first ever flu pandemic, there have been three in the last century, but they are quite rare. There will be an announcement on radio, television and in the newspapers if and when a pandemic develops. Because flu viruses are constantly changing, vaccines do not remain effective for long and new ones must be produced for each new strain. That is why flu vaccination needs to be repeated every year for people whom it is recommended. Vaccines for bird flu are being formulated and will be provided if needed.
It is important to remember that while bird flu is making the headlines, normal flu is still a very serious illness, particularly for the elderly. If you are 65 or over, or suffer from chest conditions (such as asthma) and have not yet had a normal flu jab this year then you should contact your doctor.
I recently went to the dentists and was told that I needed four fillings. I was quoted over £200 for the treatment. My dentist is supposed to be an NHS dentist; I am really confused about how much I should be paying for treatment. Should it really be this expensive?
Firstly you need to check with your dentist that you have been quoted for NHS treatment. If you have been quoted £200 then your quote must include some private treatment.
Important changes to NHS dentistry charges were introduced in England and Wales on 1st April this year. There are now three standard charges which will depend on the amount and complexity of the treatment given. Examination, diagnosis and preventative care including X-rays will cost £15.50 (£12 in Wales). All this plus additional treatment such as fillings will cost £42.50 (£39 in Wales). More complex procedures such as crowns and dentures or bridges will cost the maximum charge of £189 (£177 in Wales) but will include all necessary treatment under the other charges. These charges should be displayed in your dentists waiting room.
Ask your dentist for a written treatment plan (including costs) if you are receiving a mix of NHS and private care. If you need further help or advice contact your nearest CAB.
Last updated: February 22, 2007