Many British citizens have retired to Turkey for a life in the sun. But what if they fall ill? Can they just pop back to the UK for free medical treatment?

There are many benefits for British citizens retiring to Turkey. They include pension payments free of any tax, a cheaper cost of living, the release of capital from the sale of their UK home and freedom from the fear of crime.

But what if a British citizen falls ill in Turkey who pays?

As Turkey doesn’t have a bilateral healthcare agreement with the UK the cost of medical treatment falls to the patient.

But can’t British citizens just pop back to the UK for free NHS medical care?

Well maybe and maybe not.

It may come as a shock to many but eligibility for free NHS healthcare all depends on where you are ordinarily resident not your past or present payments of UK taxes and National Insurance contributions.

To find out how the rules could affect you make sure you check out the Department of Health’s website.

We have listed the important links below:

1. Eligibility for free hospital treatment under the NHS

2. Are you coming to the UK to holiday or visit relatives/friends or have you been living outside the UK for more than 3 months?

So make sure you understand these rules and plan your health care accordingly.