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Little known NHS rule stops Brits who move abroad from accessing healthcare
Michael West, diagnosed with aggressive Multiple Myeloma, has spent £64,000 on private cancer care after losing NHS eligibility due to permanent relocation abroad.
- Michael West and his wife Kim moved to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua in 2024, spending £230,000 on their home, but were denied routine NHS care after emigrating, forcing private payments of £64,000 for cancer treatment.
- The NHS warns people moving abroad lose automatic entitlement to routine treatment, and the couple sold their UK house unaware this ended NHS access except for emergencies.
- Diagnosed in July, Michael West began treatment for Multiple Myeloma with rapid weight loss and bone pain, requiring cancer medications, six blood transfusions, dialysis, and a 10-day intensive care unit stay.
- With savings diminishing, the couple has turned to fundraising for continued care, as ongoing treatment has depleted their savings and Kim West launched a GoFundMe fundraiser.
- For retirees considering moving abroad, the NHS advises planning medical needs because entitlement ends and other countries may require patient contributions or insurance.
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