Q86: Car and telephone without residency?
Q86: Is there any way you can buy a car and a telephone landline in Turkey without being a resident? My problem is that we are moving to Turkey in May and are reluctant to give up our right to NHS treatment over here should we need it, having paid into it all our lives. Is there any way these things can be got round does anyone know. I would be very grateful for anyone's help.
A86.1: As far as I know there is no link between rights for NHS in the UK and being a resident her. If you apply for CITIZENSHIP then thats different. I lived here for 5 years on residency permits, visas and work permits and still use NHS services when I am in the UK. I am not aware that the British government can see residence permit applications as Turkey is a country that requires a visa/residence permit. If you are not paying tax in the UK they still let you use services such as the NHS as you are a citizen of the UK but you would not be entitled to benefits if you live here longer per year than in the UK. The only benefits you would still legally be entitled to is a disability and carers allowance if you doctor states you have a better quality of live in Turkey. --Amy
A86.2: Broadly speaking, if you are out of the UK for 3 months or more from a year you will no longer be elligable for free NHS treatment, regardless of past contributions. Have a look at the website HERE for more details. Any efforts to bypass this could be considered as fraud. You should be aware that the Turkish health service here is often quicker, better value, and surpasses UK treatment levels. I have had operations at both public (Devlet), and private hospitals and cannot fault either of them. --Anonymous
NEW: A86.3: I understand that you are not able to get Free NHS after you have been out of the country for more than 3 months. --David