italian diabetic in UK

EU citizens from outside the UK have the same rights to free NHS (National Health Service) medical treatment as UK residents when they take up residence in the UK, either as temporary migrant workers or as Permanent Residents of the UK. But there are a few steps that EU citizens must take to ensure that they have access to adequate NHS medical treatment in the UK?

Once EU citizens have an established address, they must stop by their local doctor's surgery and register with a GP. New patients must take along proof of their current address, such as a utility bill, driving licence, or a payslip so that they can be registered with the local doctor's surgery. Proof of EU citizenship is not normally required, but it is still a good idea to take along your passport or other proof of your citizenship and residence in case this is requested. Parents should register their children when they register themselves so that everyone in the family has access to free NHS medical treatment.

New patients registering with their local GP will also need to apply for an NHS medical card, which is proof of eligibility to receive free NHS medical care and treatment. Talk to the receptionist about applying for an NHS card. If English is not your first language, you can request help in filling in the form. NHS cards do not need to be shown each time an appointment is made.

Prescription charges in Wales were abolished in 2007, but charges still apply for some residents in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, EU citizens moving to the UK need to understand that many residents are exempt from paying prescription charges, notably children, full-time students, pregnant women, disabled patients, Diabetics on medications, women who are using birth control, senior citizens (over the age of 60) and low income patients who cannot afford to pay for prescriptions.

EU citizens moving to the UK are fully entitled to free NHS treatment provided they register with a GP, apply for an NHS medical card and follow the rules.

Hope that helps and good luck with the new job.....

Hi Luciano. Molte grazie. (Old remembered Italian only my friend) :lol:

In the first instance it might be advisable to get your present GP to give you a copy of your medical records and a list of ALL your medications. You can then take these with you so that your new UK GP is aware of your circumstances.

The thing to do is to go to your local GP Practice here in the UK. Explain that you are an EC national living and working here and you want to register as a Patient. You may have a choice of Practice's you can go to. Depends where you are. Your local GP should be the first stop, if he is unable to deal with your particular circumstances, which I doubt, then you should ask for a referral to the nearest Diabetic Clinic where you should be seen in the first instance by a Consultant. I am sure the system is similar to back in Italy.

Hopefully then your needs will be addressed and your treatment should continue as it was back home in Italy.

Ciao