Jennyrose Shields

Hi would love to hear if anyone has retired back to the UK and got a job over 60 yrs .

Hi just an update . I had a fall result new shoulder under Medicare Saw a surgeon in Sept who did Medicare surgery but had to have the operation on 10 th Dec in Sydney not Camden where we rent . fantastic surgery did had a few Post op problems so stayed in the public Hospital in ICU Everyone was amazing . Now week 5 healing slowly lots of physio if it hurts exercise . Your mind is focused on physical so not on pain. So where are we at Do we Stay or Do we Go … We plan on a 2weeks holiday in George Town Tasmania (our house is rented )in December 2024. We will take our car and dog with us . This will help us to see George Town as a choice of permanent home renting an apartment . so usual food shop washing normal life but exploring gyms shops beach and markets . Meet people see Australian friends who have done the move ( but more financially better off) and a look at the negatives and plus side . Have checked out Cheshire house prices for 2 bed Bungalow as we would pay cash so £180,000 but that’s this years price . Trying to think with our head not our heart. Then depending on how we feel we will either tell our accountant to start the SMSF closing ready for flying back to UK . Or Stay 2 more yrs in Camden then close superfund at 65ys and make George Town our home . This way financials we live on the term deposits till Australian Pensions / English Pension. Medical Medical situation is my Surgeon will do my LTKR, Hip Replacement this year Hips next yr. . My Arthritis is rare . So medically you can have treatment on Medicare for replacements BUT Insurance dose not cover the cost of my special scans $800 each scan which needed 3 ( before and after surgery ) .Also $150 X-rays with $40 back . So you must try and save for it if possible . No scans no surgery. So still on high doses of meds costs $380 in scripts for both of us every 3 weeks Our Rent went up again $95 so paying $$600 rent . Thankful husband got 2 % Pay rise which covered it . If rents go up again then ? Rethink . So UK is still a better option if hubby retires at age 65 April 2025. Posted this for anyone who is torn between the UK move in retirement. If one of you loves Australia and one who loves it for holidays . Grand kids in Australia will be 16 / 13/ 7 and 3 yrs One Grandson in the UK 15 yrs who whatsap me every week . Blessed . our Children can visit is where ever we are . Grand kids can have amazing holidays . Why not moving to the UK now Husband loves his job and doubt he would get a job in the UK as 63 yrs as a Senior Ink Development Chemist . I cannot claim my (Disability) PIPs pension until 2 yrs residency in the UK . If possible thinking with head not heart . Hopes this is any help to anyone in similar situation.

Hi we came for my husbands work transfer for 2 yrs . now 20 yrs later kids all grown got grandchildren . But after 20 yr Yes I am still incredibly home sick . Most of my family have died in the Uk now But friends yes of 40 yrs . Been home a few times and just been with fellow poms who get my since of humour who love the English weather and just fit into this country . Australia is an amazing country but not home . In hindsight I should have taken the kids and left at the end of the first week here . kids all settled with kids if there own but can always fly over for visits . so do what your heart tells you Inly you know where heart belongs. Life is short enjoy it

Hi we Bought our home in George Town North Tasmania 3 yrs ago using our SMSF . We are moving into our home next year . Currently got great tenants and money goes back into the pension. Tasmania is quiet . Unspoilt great Air quality and fresh food amazing . BUT you must change your mind set . Everything is imported from the mainland . This costs money accept it . Tasmania had great hospitals University’s and very friendly people . Join in church ( once a month service but great for socialising). Find a pub that for quiz nights dart companions . Learn to relax is the biggest thing to do . And explore Tasmania it’s stunning . Why George Town New Hospital New mother and baby social group Sustainability group Great schools and universities Beach one end and nature the other . plenty of interests to try . Little penguins to watch at dusk paddle down the beach . great variety of fresh meat veg cheese and wine . Buy a larger fridge freezer Accept people socialise in their own homes and amazing friendships made . Great markets and lifestyle. Negatives You need to book workman 6 mths in advance . Transport on the boat all your furniture . We will upgrade out fridge for a larger fridge freezer . No ALDI Family and friends visit all the time . And many follow you for the life style change .

Medical Insurance is expensive accept it . prices varies on how much you need to be insured . when we can over 3 kids and wary 40s it was $700 a month including a balance . We shopped around and got it to $ 580 then 2 Sons played 4 sports for the state at school . Sports shoes a fortune so kept insurance for ambulance and dental . Today we are in our 60s and same insurance as we don’t need extras . Real insurance we have used for everything . However not all insurance will cover you for certain things . So advice would be take out Bare funeral insurance and state what you want . and spend your retirement money enjoying life . Most operations available on Medicare . Had spinal surgery, TKR and Scheduled for both hips . Just resting after shoulder replacement . yes I had to travel to find a surgeon who would do it under Medicare he’s in Sutherland NSW . Fantastic medical treatment and the staff were amazing . So we wish you luck and re assess the medical and car insurances every year so you are always paying the best price as life changes as do your circumstances. Some company’s in Australia offer medical insurance as part of your employment package. wishing you a happy new year

Thank you all for pointing out the feeling of belonging . Yes that is exactly how I feel . been her 20 yrs and on 2 yrs left before we have to decide Tasmania ( we own our home there ) or back to the UK yes we will leave behind our grandchildren but they will soon be an age where they will want to visit. I feel we only came do to my husbands job and it has been so hard on us all . so fingers crossed we will take our dog and cat with us . And do a move cube . Delighted we can now buy a house cash immediately. will let you know how we get on .

I knew on arrival but had to stay for husbands job . Now 20 yrs later we have no choice but to return to the UK . In our 60s and I have ill health and cannot afford the medical fees in Australia . been on the waiting list for knee hips and shoulder replacements told it will be 3 more yrs or more . cannot afford the private system unless we sell our home then we would be homeless . So returning back to the UK buying a small bungalow in Cheshire . 12/18 mths for my hips and knee but will be quicker for the shoulder as that’s classed as an emergency as it effects my breathing if I get a cold and cough. leaving behind 2 sons 5 grandchildren . But as one said they can never afford to buy a house in Sydney so may well follow us depending on their partners . As a retired person my advice is to make a list of pros and cons Before you turn 50 ys .

You can get your NI number on line if you forgot it it’s yours for life . as for the bank just use the Australian one until you get settled .

As a Mum and Grandma I now get it . We moved to Australia leaving one adult Son behind . 20 yrs later 3 trips to the UK and never forgiven . life is short good times and bad in any county. Advice if you intend to return to the UK ever do it before your children grow up . UK had lots of positivity too . Family …. That is you and wife and kids . Due to my husbands health we are having to return before pension age 67 Heartache for leaving sons and grandchildren here …Son and Grandson have their own life in UK so we are starting yet another chapter in our life . Husband has brothers and sisters in uk so a good support system time will tell . People get over that you left and live their lives without you . So do what’s the very best for you . No where in this Earth is SAFE. Life has changed in just a few years . Do what makes you and family here happy . The grass is always greener on the other side till your on these new grass . Same problem just different grass .Wishing you a happy life . Forgot to say you definitely need Private Health Care in Oz and it’s very expensive . Our 3 Sons were into all sports and you need the cover . See if the company will offer it in the package . We had a migration agent from the company it helped . All 3 kids did not want to come to Oz 20 yrs later they are Australian not English now . Get full citizenship asap gives you a sence of belonging .

Due to health reasons having to move back to the uk under 67 pension age . citizens of both countries how long do you have to live in the uk till we can buy a small home in cash

There are company’s who employ debt hunters in Australia . if you respond in ANY correspondence to the debt company in the uk it just carry on as your in correspondence with them. If you can fix an agreement do so as uk debt company’s sell on the debt to other company some who will REALY use nasty ways to treat your parent . your parents need to go to a solicitor and fill out a statutory declaration that you don’t live with them and no debris of yours are their responsibility . Costs about 100 pounds should they continue you can give them a photo copy and can phone the police for abuse and threatening behaviour . After 10 yrs they will give up .

Lush

As someone who owns a home in Taz but has to live in Sydney for work in a professional field . unless you have been offered work in Tasmania I would strongly recommend thinking again. small shops close down regularly due to lack of clients . why not establish yourself on the mainland and go for a holiday driving round Tasmania is easy and you will have first hand experience of life there . wishing you good luck for the future.

Thanks for your sharing the trip to Taz. Answered lots of questions