Returning Britons could cost NHS twice as much

Under the EU’s ‘S1’ scheme 190,000 British expat pensioners have healthcare paid for where they live, reimbursed by the UK at £500million a year. However the same care in Britain would cost the NHS twice as much, claims a report by the Nuffield Trust.

“Even more difficult would be finding the staff and beds these people might need… 900 beds and 1,600 nurses, as well as doctors, other health professionals, and support staff such as porters... equivalent to two new hospitals.” All of this “cannot be brought on stream at will”, as the UK is already short of nurses and beds. While it may not be easy to maintain participation in the S1 form system after Brexit, as it comes under EU social security coordination rules, efforts must be made “to see if a continued deal can be agreed”.

If younger expat Britons find work and residency rights in jeopardy, the NHS could be under even more pressure, the report adds.