Advice on having baby UK | ExpatWoman.com
 

Advice on having baby UK

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 10:47

I have just recently found out im pregnant (8 weeks) and I am wanting to have the baby back in the UK (as my family are all there for support etc).

I will have the ante-natal care here (maybe Amercian Hospital or Al Zahra on SZR not sure which yet, but any advice on that would be good too). My work doesnt have maternity cover so I have to pay regardless.

Has anybody had experience in going to the UK and having a baby on the NHS? I have read the NHS website and they say that they have to ascertain whether you are a 'resident' in the country as to whether you get free medical care. I am a British Citizen and have lived in the UAE for 5 years.

Can anybody suggest how I can make sure I get free care? I think I am still regsitered at my local doctor (though I need to check this) but I have read that they take you off their list after so many years if you havent visited them (which I havent).

Thanks in advance for everybody's suggestions :D

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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 13:58
I know of 3 people who tried to get free NHS deliveries, 2 lied and got found out and charged and the 3rd was honest but hoped it would not be too expensive. All 2 paid more than it would have cost here. They also got substandard care but I guess tha depends on the specific hospital Also, keep in mind that you might have support in the UK but you will have to go there for quite some time before the baby is due, then you are there for a while once you have had your baby so you will be away from home a long time and then you will fly back here and have to settle into normal life - not always the easiest way
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 12:45
I agree too. Our NHS is overloaded as it is so why should anyone have free care when they haven't paid into the system for many years. By all means come home to have your baby but please have the decency to pay for it as you would no doubt have to in Dubai.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 12:06
I agree with this too. Sorry, but why should you expect to get something for nothing when you haven't paid into the system, for any length of time. We told our GP when we left what we were doing and he said he would keep us on his books as we still have a house in the local area, although we would only be able to use him for minor problems if needed when we are back. Anything major would have to be paid for as we are now classed as non resident. And it doesn't matter how much or how long you've paid into the system. <em>edited by Geordie expat on 15/04/2014</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 12:00
Your are right, although If you are registered with a DR at home and have a national insurance number and UK address they rarely check! That is why so many non residents give birth there for free. Most DRs will take you off their list after a few years and they will question why you aren't having your scans in the UK ( Squeeky bum time) I don't agree with people gaining free care when they are no longer residents however its your choice entirely I tend to agree with you - the healthcare system is already overloaded, especially maternity with the shortage of midwives. Personally, I'd have to be honest and prepared to pay any charges levied.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 11:54
Congrats on your pregnancy. I'm pretty sure that if you've lived in dubai for 5 years and not been paying tax/national insurance in the UK, you'll not be entitled to free NHS care. I know someone who had exactly the same plans as you (ante natal in Dubai, NHS delivery in UK) and was presented with a bill because she was not entitled (due to the residency issue). Maybe someone else can give you more info, but make sure you research this very carefully. All the best Your are right, although If you are registered with a DR at home and have a national insurance number and UK address they rarely check! That is why so many non residents give birth there for free. Most DRs will take you off their list after a few years and they will question why you aren't having your scans in the UK ( Squeeky bum time) I don't agree with people gaining free care when they are no longer residents however its your choice entirely
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 April 2014 - 11:25
Congrats on your pregnancy. I'm pretty sure that if you've lived in dubai for 5 years and not been paying tax/national insurance in the UK, you'll not be entitled to free NHS care. I know someone who had exactly the same plans as you (ante natal in Dubai, NHS delivery in UK) and was presented with a bill because she was not entitled (due to the residency issue). Maybe someone else can give you more info, but make sure you research this very carefully. All the best
 
 

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