Many of my British friends have told me that as long as you maintain registration with a UK GP and supply a UK forwarding address then you will experience very few issues being treated.
That is, in practice, very likely the reality of it, but it's not the the actual rules and someone somewhere is going to fall foul of the rules.
This is the extract from that Scottish publication Jim, I've highlighted the key phrases but it basically says it is up to the doctor providing treatment in the final sentence.
I still have my NHS card, what if the doctor never ask you where do you come from? I have never been asked that before by a doctor. As far as my doctors surgery know, I still live at my old address in the UK.
That's how most people get away with it I guess, but if you went to a GP and asked to be seen they will give you a referral and that referral appointment will get sent out to your address, so it would be a bit tricky.
I think the issue will arise before that if @Jim went with his cataract first question maybe “ has it been looked at before if so where?” Etc etc people also need to read the “Accessing NHS care” section You maybe asked for one of the following Pension book Letter from DWP EHIC
If you turn up at A&E they just ask you for your details, ok I'm not pension age but I wasn't asked for any ID of any kind, however for something like cataracts you can't just turn up at A&E.
One expat had his eyes checked in the UK at specsavers, they found out he had cataracts and referred him to a hospital. How true is this I don't know!
That's one of my options, if I didn't retain a base here I would probably give out my sisters address as my UK residence. That would probably work!
Normally have to register with GP. I know can do temporary registrations to see a GP at least in theory but suspect for hospital referrals would be requirement to be registered with practice. That said unless emergency then would be on waiting list so have to be there for some time. Had a look on our GP website and requirement is below. In addition to these two forms, you will need to bring along with you 2 pieces of identification: one, will need to be photo identification (for example a driving licence or passport); and one that includes your home address, such as a recent utility bill. If you are unsure of what documents will be accepted, you may contact reception and we will be happy to assist you.
I'm already registered with my doctors in the UK. Unless you have to register every few years? Last time I went it was for skin cancer, which the doctor sent me to see a dermatologist at my local hospital. that was over 10 years ago.
Interesting point as don't think there is any requirement to re-register and in theory if nothing wrong then don't need to go in. Only issue is if they expect to see you and don't get any responses - do they keep you on list ?
if there IS something wrong--theres no point going in--you need to make an appointment ( = hours in a phone queue ) to get an appointment for a doctor to ring you in a few days, to decide if a face to face appointment is warranted--if your still alive by then.
