General Guide - part 2 of 2

•  Health: Visit your local health clinic to arrange for any vaccinations you may need, you need at least six weeks before you travel.

•  Pets: If you are taking pets abroad, make sure that all vaccinations are up to date. Please see our pet shipping section

•  Doctor: If you are on any medication make sure you have enough. If you need regular prescriptions then take any medical letters and a copy of your prescription with you. This will help the doctor in your new country, as medical notes can take some time to arrive by post.

•  Medical Cover: If you are travelling within the European Union then you are entitled to free or reduced cost medical treatment for a limited period . The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives access to state-provided medical treatment only in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. You can apply online or on the phone:Click Here to apply and more info

•  Visa's: Make sure you have all the correct paperwork regarding Visa's and permits in place. I know it sounds obvious but remember to check that your passport is still in date. www.passport.gov.uk

•  Savings: If you have any savings it is very important to contact the bank. If your account includes the facility to make a “not ordinarily resident” declaration you can arrange for your interest to be paid without deduction of tax. Your building society or bank will be able to advice you more but for a R105 form click on the link below.
Download R105 form.

• Forms: Make sure you complete a P85 form, you current employer can do this or accountant or tax office. You may get a tax rebate if you move before the end of the financial year.
Download P85 form.

•  Voting. You will still be allowed to vote if you are a British National living overseas, in UK General Elections and European Union Elections for up to 15 years after the last year in which your name appeared in an electoral register. In order to register as an overseas voter you will need to contact the electoral registration covering the address for where you were last registered. They will then send you out the appropriate forms. For more information visit: www.electoralcommission.gov.uk

•  Pensions. Contact the UK Pensions Service to talk through your options regarding your state pension. If you are moving to a EEA country (European Economic area) or one of the other countries that have a special agreement with the UK you will still be entitled to receive a pension if you have made the relevant contributions. As pension information changes all the time please visit the International Pension Centre for more information.