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Expats advised to obtain health insurance
22.07.2008
Expats who are unsure about the level of healthcare they are entitled to in their new country should consider taking out health insurance, it has been reported.
Although healthcare is "very affordable" in certain destinations, it may be worthwhile for expats to take out health insurance to ensure they can afford any treatment that may be required, according to Shelter Offshore director Rhiannon Davies.
She added that recent scares about proposed restrictions on foreigners' healthcare entitlements in France and Spain would affect only pre-retirees.
Ms Davies advised: "If you move to live abroad and cut all ties with the UK, don't automatically assume you can always fall back on the good old NHS."
Her comments come after recent policy changes in Spain which have restricted access to healthcare for those who do not make contributions to the country's social security system.
Following the introduction of the new rules, the British Embassy in Madrid has advised any individuals affected to buy private medical insurance.
Although healthcare is "very affordable" in certain destinations, it may be worthwhile for expats to take out health insurance to ensure they can afford any treatment that may be required, according to Shelter Offshore director Rhiannon Davies.
She added that recent scares about proposed restrictions on foreigners' healthcare entitlements in France and Spain would affect only pre-retirees.
Ms Davies advised: "If you move to live abroad and cut all ties with the UK, don't automatically assume you can always fall back on the good old NHS."
Her comments come after recent policy changes in Spain which have restricted access to healthcare for those who do not make contributions to the country's social security system.
Following the introduction of the new rules, the British Embassy in Madrid has advised any individuals affected to buy private medical insurance.