airham

Currently in the UK, planning to stay permanently, and in receipt of the Age pension being paid into my Aus bank. According to the ATO if a non-resident (for tax purposes) receives any Aus income then they must complete a tax return. They also say the Age pension is taxable but is it classed as income? Centrelink can pay it into a UK bank which would (maybe) mean only having to complete a UK tax return. Oh the joys of moving overseas! Regards Rik

Can anyone clarify the ATO tax situation if I move permanently to the UK and become non-resident for tax purposes? If my Age Pension was paid into an Australian bank account is it taxed by the ATO? If my Age Pension was paid into a Foreign bank account (by Centrelink) is it taxed by the ATO? Any info would be VERY much appreciated. Thanks

Just noticed there is a forum on PomsinOz all about the habitual residency test. http://www.pomsinoz.com/forum/moving-back-uk/54856-habitual-residency-test.html

The NHS website states " If you move to England permanently or return to live in England permanently, you're entitled to free NHS hospital treatment." Yes there are differences whether you are visiting or returning permanently but in both instances you are still entitled to NHS treatment. You may be asked to prove your entitlement ie. British citizen etc. More detailed info http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1087.aspx?categoryid=68&subcategoryid=162 To claim benefits one (may) have to take the Habitual residency test. There is useful info about that here:- http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_coming_from_abroad_and_claiming_benefits_hrt/benefits_the_habitual_residence_test_introduction.htm

Hmmm! Well my wife and I have been in Oz for 17 years. We visited the UK for 5 weeks last September 2013. I went to a GP walk-in clinic, because I picked up an infection, and was seen by Doctor (after a ten minute wait) and given a prescription for antibiotics. The prescription was free because of my age. Also had a dental check-up, x-ray and clean, at a local NHS dentist, for 18 pounds. Many Australians travellers who are covered by Medicare in Australia, may be unaware that they are entitled to reciprical health care from a GP in the UK on the NHS. You are entitled to be treated by a doctor as an NHS patient & the cost of the consultation & prescription medicine prescribed by the doctor will be covered by the NHS the same as if you are a UK Resident. However, this does not apply to elective or non-emergency treatment. More information is on the Medicare website.

I phoned our local surgery earlier today - can't see our usual GP till 19th March. Over a two week wait! Can however, see a different GP tomorrow. Oh, I forgot to say, I live in Australia. Not out in the sticks but on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. When I was home on holiday in Hereford UK last year, I needed to see a Doctor. I went to a "walk-in" clinic and was seen after a 10 minute wait.

In my experience I have only needed to get an annual renewal when being treated privately by a specialist. However, once you have been referred (as in my case), to a Specialist Public Hospital outpatients department, they will continue treating until discharged, as in the UK, even if this is over several years (again as in my case). It may be a requirement however, if you are being treated by a VMO (Visiting Medical Officer), who has private patient rights within a Public Hospital and you are paying to see him. The Australian health system - trying to understand it is bad for your health!!!! Regards Rick