Doctor
The UK National Health Service (“NHS”) is primarily for the benefit of people who live there. Consequently, eligibility for treatment is based on whether a person is ordinarily resident in the UK and is not related to a person’s nationality or the payment of taxes or National Insurance Contributions. “Ordinarily resident” appears to be interpreted fairly loosely and so you should try to register with a doctor (“General Practitioner or G.P.”), particularly if you have a preexisting medical condition which requires medication or treatment.
Insurance
Taking out insurance may not be your first priority when you reach the UK. However, you should consider the consequences if you fall ill or something goes wrong during an assignment.
Personal Injury Insurance
If you are unlucky enough to be ill or injure yourself such that you are unable to continue with the assignment, you will have to find alternative accommodation until you can work again. Your medical insurance may cover you but, if not, you may wish to take out this extra insurance.
Public Liability Insurance
If you are self-employed, your Agency will not normally provide insurance for claims made against you while on an assignment and you should make your own arrangements for suitable cover. Some insurance companies which offer this cover are listed below. Remember that the cost of this type of insurance is an allowable expense for tax purposes.
Some UK Companies offering Public Liability Insurance for Carers
| Bordengate Insurance 14 Market Place Faringdon Oxfordshire SN7 7HP |
Tel: +44 (0) 8456 580 510 Fax: +44 (0) 8456 580 520 email: enquiries@Bordengate_Insurance.co.uk Website: www.bordengate.com/ |
| John Bannerman Limited Peek House 20 Eastcheap London EC3M 1EB |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7929 3400 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7929 360 Email: info@johnbannerman.com Website: www.johnbannerman.com |
| Castlebank Insurance Brokers Limited (Part of Smart & Cook Group Limited) 121 Kingston Road Leatherhead Surrey KT22 7SU |
Tel: +44 (0) 1372 363030 Fax: +44 (0) 1372 360189 email: ukhca@castlebank.co.uk Website: www.castlebank.co.uk/ |