National Insurance in the UK?

Question

I'm British and left a little under a year ago to work in Luxembourg, before I left I'd been working for 9 years and had paid full NI contributions the whole time. My question is, when I return (i plan to in about a year) will I be treated as someone who never lived in the UK? i.e., for NHS treatment etc?

Answer 1

No you wont.

The NHS is free at the point of use for all - anyone can use is (The UK actually has a problem with 'medical refugees' coming in as they are automatically allowed access to the NHS regardless as their status in the country; even Americans have been known to come here only to access NHS facilities)

In terms of other things, they wont be affeced either as long as your are a British National. Luxembourg is in the EEA o doesn't really affect anything. If you were to apply for job seekers Allowance you would have to take a 'habitual residence test', but basically this just means showing it is your intention to remain, the check this by looking to see you have a UK address, GP and bank account.

You should have no problems other rather adjusting to the dramtic decraese in living standards and the higher prices  

Answer 2

No. You're working in an EU country and so your British National Insurance contributions entitle you to social benefits in Luxembourg. Equally, your Luxembourgian social insurance contributions will contribute to your UK National Insurance upon your return.

Just to correct your misconception, NHS treatment is paid for from taxation, not social insurance. NI contributions are used to fund your state pension and any claim for statutory sick pay, incapacity benefit or Jobseeker's Allowance. While other countries do fund their health service from social insurance, the UK does not.

Answer 3

No but your pension may be reduced when you are older because you missed a year of NI. They will probably send you a letter asking for you to make the contributions up by so much. Shouldn't be a problem though if you have a private pension plan.  

Answer 4

no. if you were born here and have a british passport, your rights never change. only if you become a citizen of another country will you be treated like an immigrant.