American playwright Annie Baker has been dividing audience opinion since she wrote the three hour long, Pulitzer prize-winning The Flick, which was critically acclaimed but apparently had some audience members walking out in boredom. Ms Baker tends to write a lack of dialogue that puts Pinter’s pauses to shame. I went into John, her new three-hour production at the National Theatre, expecting a long, tedious evening. Instead I was completely mesmerised and could not wait to see what happened next.

John is set in a bed and breakfast and also deals with guests interacting with their hosts. However, the similarity ends there as John is a much more humane and spiritual tale about relationships and how we connect with the people in our lives. Mertis runs a bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania which could be considered quaint if it weren’t for all the dolls lining the walls, staircases and any nook that can be found. A Christmas tree is already displayed despite it being only one week after Thanksgiving. The breakfast area is named Paris, and decorated like a French café with croissants for breakfast. Into this strange world comes Jenny and Elias, a young couple from Brooklyn who are stopping over on their way from Ohio. We sense from the start that all is not right, as prickly Elias seems to be constantly picking an argument with Jenny, yelling at her from upstairs, or demanding to know if she hates his loud eating and then accusing her of anti-Semitism. He is intent on seeing all the historical sites Gettysburg has to offer, while Jenny has to duck out due to debilitating period pains. After an aborted trip around the town, Elias goes off on a ghost tour of a cemetery, leaving Jenny alone with the sympathetic but unusual Mertis. It is at this point that we start to learn more about who these people are. Mertis has a husband, George, whom we never see, as he is too ill, of what we never find out. Jenny writes questions for a quiz show. Mertis kindly invites Jenny to join her for dinner with her blind friend Genevieve. After much wine is drunk, more revelations emerge, but always eked out throughout the play, emerging naturally as the characters eventually feel like revealing them.

Although it sounds like not much happens, everything happens as we discover the truth about Elias and Jenny’s relationship, hear about her dread fear of her childhood doll Samantha, a replica of which sits on a shelf in the bed and breakfast. Mertis asks both Elias and Jenny separately if they ever feel watched, to which they both have very different responses. This is a house which may be haunted, as Christmas tree lights mysteriously turn on and off and a player piano spontaneously bursts into song. And why won’t Mertis let the young couple sleep in the Jackson room?

The cast are nothing less than extraordinary. American actress Marylouise Burke who plays Mertis is a highly-experienced stage performer who is completely unknown here but won’t be after this. She embodies the elderly and quirky Mertis so completely in her every move and slightly sing song way of speaking. We are fascinated watching her slowly climb the stairs or set breakfast, happy in her routines, yet clearly harbouring so much more beneath the surface. June Watson is superb as the caustic and outspoken Genevieve, who may be a bit psychotic or a bit psychic, it’s never clear which, but it is unimportant to her friendship with Mertis who accepts her as she is. Tom Motherdale as Elias and Anneika Rose as Jenny were also excellent, inhabiting the moments of silence as much as the words in their painful interactions with each other.

This production feels like an interactive experience where the audience is totally immersed in the world of the play, drawn in bit by bit through clues about the characters’ lives, droplets of information said in passing or blurted out suddenly. This is theatre at its finest, don’t miss it.

To book tickets click here or call 020 7452 3000.

Reviewed by Lydia Parker.

Image: JOHN (Anneika Rose as Jenny and Tom Mothersdale as Elias). Image by Stephen Cummiskey.

The following is designed to provide general immigration and business law information for those independently relocating to or residing in the United Kingdom and does not constitute legal advice. As with all legal issues, seeking tailored advice from qualified counsel is advisable.

UK IMMIGRATION OPTIONS

It goes without saying that if you intend to work in the UK or remain for any extended period of time, you will require a visa. The most straightforward path to obtaining a visa granting such privileges is through support from an employer, a college or university, or a family member. Yet in the absence of such opportunities, other options, although limited, may still be available. Entrepreneurs, individuals with exceptional talent, and those looking to invest substantial amounts in UK markets may be able to relocate to, or extend their stay in the UK, irrespective of sponsorship from a family member or employer.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

If certain requirements are met, this visa may be available to those with access to £200,000 to invest into a UK business who can demonstrate they are able to support themselves while residing in the UK. Individuals with funding through select competitions, the UK government, and certain venture capital firms can qualify for a reduced funding requirement of £50,000.

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa can be held for three years and four months and allows holders to bring their spouse or partner and children. The visa can be extended for another two years, three in certain circumstances. After five years of presence in the country on this visa, it may be possible to apply for settlement in the UK, which grants the privilege to remain indefinitely.

Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

Similar to the standard visa for entrepreneurs, students in the UK are able to apply for visa privileges through a less costly option. Only £50,000 in funding is required for the business and the visa is available for one year, with a one-year extension period.

This visa on its own does not permit settlement in the UK but does provide a clear path for transition to the standard entrepreneur visa. One of the primary benefits of this option is that it can be pursued with only £50,000 in funding, as opposed to the £200,000 that would otherwise be required. Investments made to the business within the prior 24 months can satisfy the funding requirement, potentially eliminating any need for additional capital when changing visa types.

Given these relaxed funding standards, as you can expect, the application process can be highly competitive. A limited number of visas are issued each year and candidates must obtain a letter of endorsement from UK trade authorities or an institution of higher education in the UK attesting to the applicant’s entrepreneurial capabilities and the merit of their business opportunity.

Tier 1 (Investor)

This visa requires an investment of at least £2,000,000 into the UK rendering it an option only for those with substantial financial means. To be eligible, the investment must be made in UK government bonds or active and trading UK registered companies. The funds are largely prohibited from investment in the real estate industry.

It can be maintained for up to three years and four months and extended for another two years, with settlement available after five. The settlement timeline is reduced to three years with an investment of £5 million and two years with an investment of £10 million.

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)

To qualify for this visa, you must have been endorsed as a recognised or emerging leader in the fields of science, medicine, digital technology, or the arts. As with the graduate entrepreneur visa, the application process is highly competitive and only a limited number of visas are granted each year under this category.

Before applying, an endorsement must be sought from the Home Office attesting to your status in your field of practice. If ultimately granted a visa under this category, you will be able to stay in the UK for up to five years and four months and can extend for another five years. As with other categories, settlement is available after five years.

Rigidity of visa guidelines go a long way to ensuring that expats arrive in the United Kingdom with vetted business plans, verified talent, and financial means to handle the transition smoothly. The downside is that the financial thresholds and competitive nature of the application process may place most of these visas out of reach for many expats, forcing reliance on support from employers or family members to obtain UK visa status.

While the battle is uphill, the hard- working expat entrepreneur with a promising business idea and a bit of wind in their sails may very well be able to access UK market opportunities in a manner that ultimately leads to settlement and residency status. If this describes you, deciding how you will structure your business is the next step.

BUSINESS FORMATION IN THE UK

When doing business in the United Kingdom, your activities can be structured in various ways. It will be important for Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa applicants to select a business structure that will balance tax and administrative efficiency against legal protections provided by more formal arrangements.

Of importance, the decision to form a UK business may not require expats to consider how such arrangements will be taxed by their country of nationality. Unfortunately, due to the worldwide tax and information reporting regime in place in the United States, American expats must actively consider cross border tax and reporting obligations that their businesses will encounter.

Notably, recent changes to the US tax system brought about by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act have created a dynamic environment where American business owners operating overseas will want to revisit any ongoing tax planning or compliance strategies. This legislation establishes a new tax on certain foreign income that can have a profoundly negative impact on individual shareholders of certain foreign corporations. Planning opportunities are available to minimise exposure to this new tax, but existing businesses should take action quickly as these rules are applicable to tax year 2018.

While there are numerous other UK business structures designed to achieve specific funding or operational goals, the information below covers the most common methods for operating UK business activities.

Sole Trader

Without question, operating as a sole trader provides the easiest option for setting up and managing the ongoing administration of your UK business affairs. Sole traders simply register their independent business activity with HMRC and are ready to begin business. Note, however, that many businesses selling products or engaging in other regulated activities will still maintain the responsibility to register for Value Added Tax (VAT) and any other relevant licenses that may be applicable to their business.

The notable drawback of operating as a sole trader is that no limited liability protection is provided. This means that you would remain personally responsible for debts and other liabilities of the business. Given this lack of protection, operating as a sole trader would be a risky option for most business owners.

Partnerships

A partnership in the UK is formed when a group of at least two individuals collectively engage in an activity with the goal of producing a profit. A nominated partner is tasked with registering the business with HMRC and each partner will need to register for self-assessment on their partnership income. Income tax is calculated at each partner’s individual tax rate based on their respective share of partnership income, as if they were sole traders.

A partnership agreement is not required but is recommended in all situations, irrespective of personal or family dynamics that may characterise the business relationship. As is the case with sole trader status, no limited liability protection is offered to owners of these traditional partnerships. Moreover, as partners could potentially be responsible for the business debt attributable to other partners, the risk of operating without limited liability here is even greater than it is for sole traders.

Those wishing to maintain certain tax and operating features of a partnership while ensuring limited liability from debts of the business may want to consider organising a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). LLPs are required to register with the Companies House, must submit annual financial reports, and are regulated in a similar way to private limited companies described below.

Private Company Limited By Shares (LTD)

Private limited companies are widely popular among UK business owners and are available for both individual owners and group ownership structures. No minimum capital requirement is applicable and limited liability is offered to shareholders, protecting their personal assets from debts of the business. This structure may be desirable for expats who do not want the risk of operating without limited liability, but accounting for tax attributes will need to be a crucial part of the decision.

Establishing a private limited company is relatively straightforward and requires that Articles of Association, along with several other documents, be filed upon formation. The business is not obligated to hold meetings, but financial statements must be submitted annually within nine months of the company’s financial year-end. Smaller companies may qualify for simplified reporting and all private limited companies are subject to annual corporate tax filing responsibilities.

Private limited companies are required to have at least one company director who must be a natural person, but it can be the sole shareholder of the company. Shares in a private limited company cannot be offered for sale to the general public and a transfer of shares can only occur through a private agreement of the shareholder.

Public Limited Company (PLC)

Businesses that want the ability to offer shares of the company for sale to the public are required to organise a public limited company. This type of entity is characterised by significant organisation and administrative costs as well as strict formalities around meetings, voting, and other activities of the business enterprise.

Ultimately, while private limited companies will be the most common operating structure for expat entrepreneurs and business owners, the details of every business arrangement must be closely considered. Tax and immigration laws as well as the ongoing costs of compliance and administration should be factored into the broader decision-making surrounding the appropriate structure for the business.

If you are an American entrepreneur or investor contemplating a new business or a move to the United Kingdom, our firm can assist with developing an effective strategy and ensuring you maintain compliance on both sides of the pond.

Expat Legal Services Group offers unique legal services for American expatriates and foreign nationals with financial interests in the United States. Our firm serves the expat community in the areas of international tax, immigration law, and cross border business and estate planning using a suite of modern technology solutions. Contact Expat Legal Services Group today at info@expatlegal.com or visit the website at www.expatlegal.com. The choice of an attorney is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising.

How it Feels When You’re an American by Karen Storey

My 19 year old dual national daughter doesn’t get it. She was born and raised in Britain but has always been an American citizen through me. Indeed, this was the only passport she held for the first 18 years of her life. Last year, she finally applied for, and received her British passport. She can’t understand why I still haven’t gone for mine. I can’t fully understand it either. It seems I have some strange emotional block in taking this final step. I came over to the UK when I was 20 years old. At the time I hadn’t intended to stay, but life took over and 36 years later, I’m still here! ”You have lived here longer than you have in America.” She says to me “Why don’t you just do it?”. As I search for an explanation I find myself fumbling with the answer, that maybe it has to do with spending my childhood pledging my allegiance to the American flag. She finds this odd, as kids in England don’t have an equivalent ritual. I describe how every morning at school my classmates and I, hands on heart, recited this pledge. Yet, nowhere in the Pledge of Allegiance did anyone ever say “I pledge my allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and any other country that I happen to somehow end up living in one day”.

I tell my daughter that for me, it feels disloyal to take another citizenship. “Well then, isn’t it disloyal of you to be living here?” she asks. She has a point. So I say, “Perhaps, in my head, I’m sort of balancing it out by holding on to my sole nationality and passport.” That is the crux of it. My instilled sense of loyalty from my childhood is the impractically sentimental reason why after 36 years, I still hold only an American passport with indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in Britain. I was curious to see if I was alone with this feeling, so have been talking with a few other American expats settled in Britain. 

Cate Linforth is originally from Chicago and has been living in the UK for over 12 years. She came to the UK for University. Now, married to a Brit, she finally decided to apply for British citizenship in April 2017.

She tells me: “I’d been struggling with the decision ever since I got my ILR back in February 2013. Part of me didn’t want to get it because of the amount of money I’d already paid to the Home Office, and I didn’t technically NEED to. However, once I met my now husband and started to realise that I didn’t really have any intention of moving back to the US, I decided that it made sense to think about citizenship, not least because of the recent change in politics in the UK, as well as Brexit. It no longer made sense to be living and working in the UK, but not having any say in political changes happening over here”. Cate goes on to say that she had to fight to stay in the UK because of changes in legislation. She explains “I think that previously I’d thought that under my ILR I was invincible, but the reality is that if I had to move out of the UK for 2 years, for whatever reason, and wanted to return to the UK, I’d be back to starting point.” I had asked her if applying for dual nationality brought up any mixed emotions, and she tells me “I think even now I still struggle with the idea of being a British citizen. I’ve never been particularly patriotic, but something inside of me, valid or not, thinks that if I become a British citizen, it would almost make me less American. I’ve been losing my accent gradually over the last several years, no longer easily tan (hello permanently pasty skin!) and not least I really struggle to identify with the general populous sometimes in the US, but I had a real internal struggle about what it would mean to get my citizenship”.

I completely identify with the thought that Linforth Family somehow obtaining a British passport could make one feel less American. Having lost my own New York accent gradually over the years, sometimes it feels like the only part of me left that’s still American is the blue passport in my drawer.

Cate continues: “I really struggled internally about getting my citizenship. I don’t identify as British, I’ve always felt like a settled American in Britain. Getting my citizenship felt permanent to me. My whole adult life, I’ve been foreign. Whether it’s not quite fitting in to the UK because I sound different, or being seen as foreign by my own friends and family back home because I’ve picked up British phrases and colloquialisms, I’ve not just felt ‘normal’ for a very long time. I was wary about how my citizenship would change that. I don’t think that was helped much by my friends and family in the UK saying ‘Well, you’ll be British now’. I didn’t, and still don’t feel ‘British’. I don’t sound British. I think by resolving it I had to remember that it was a formality for me. It meant that no one could ever make me feel anxious about my immigration status in the UK again, and that perhaps I would feel better about politics and government, knowing that I could start to do my bit to make a difference. And I wouldn’t have to sit in one of those hideous lines at the airport anymore. And let’s be honest, by choosing to live in the UK for the last 12 years, I kind of have pledged allegiance“.

I ask Cate about her citizenship ceremony and she tells me: “My ceremony was in December 2017, and I felt really apprehensive in the lead up to it. My husband unfortunately wasn’t able to come because of an international work trip, so two of my best friends from University decided to be there to support me. I was excited to finally be at the end stage, after so many years and so many thousands of pounds spent on immigration. I never had to worry about how the government’s immigration changes would affect me again. But would it make me feel less American? Would I no longer be able to say with such confidence that I was American? I wasn’t sure if it would taint any of my American-ness if that makes sense. The ceremony itself was actually quite emotional, as one of the Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands was an immigrant herself. She showed such empathy for the struggle that everyone in the room had gone through and the opportunity this brought to us. She really validated what a tremendous achievement it was. My girlfriends both made such a special day of it, going out for cocktails and lunch as well“.

Cate reflects on becoming a dual national and tells me: “I’m pleased that I’ve done it. I’m pleased that I can now vote in any future elections, and hold office if I so choose as well. I’m pleased about the doors that open in terms of easier access to commonwealth countries“. Christina Davies, another American expat, now lives in the West Midlands with her husband and four children. She has also been here for 12 years. Her children are already dual nationals. She and her husband are in the process of applying for their British citizenship. Christina tells me: “

We’ve invested a lot in our lives here and they really are here when I think about it. My husband and I started our married life here. My children were born here. We have paid through the roof for visas and ILR for the privilege to be here. And of course, I finally got a Land Rover!”.

She continues, “My husband and I both travelled extensively (domestically and internationally) as children and into our adult lives before coming to the UK., but England has still opened a world for us that we wouldn’t have known existed without living here. It has had a large part in moulding us into the people that we are today. For all of that, I am grateful“.

Christina adds: “Don’t get me wrong. I am proud to be American. I am grateful for my country and I proudly defend it almost daily. I flexi-school my children, and do an American curriculum on the days they are with me because of how important it is to us that they understand the incredible history and amazingness of the country that they are a citizen of, that they hold a passport for, that they explore a few weeks a year, and for a country where their entire extended family lives. I think we live in a state of confusion. When we get on a plane to fly Stateside we say we are ‘going home’, and then when we board a plane to fly to the UK, we also say ‘we are going home.’ But I also think we are extremely blessed, to be able to say that we are home in more than one place, in more than one country, on more than one continent. That is why we are applying for citizenship”.

It’s these final words from Christina that have got me thinking that dual citizenship perhaps does make sense emotionally, not just practically. She tells me, “We will be truly home whichever side of the Atlantic we are on. I will always consider myself to be an American, but with the extra privilege of also being a citizen of the UK. God Bless America and God Save the Queen!”.

With the tax deadlines looming closer and closer, we thought we would introduce you to some of the companies we have worked with over the years, who will be able to help you with any tax issues you are currently experiencing or need to address:

BDO LLP

BDO are ideally placed to help clients navigate and manage the often-complex tax compliance interactions between US and the UK tax systems, including:

• US and UK income tax returns for US citizens in the UK or expats living in US

• Non-resident US income tax returns (form 1040NR) for non-US persons

• Foreign bank and foreign asset reporting for US persons

• Delinquent US tax filers and assisting under the streamlined filing procedure

We are also able to assist non-US persons requiring to file US returns that may be ineligible for a US social security number by helping them acquire (or renew) an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer’s Identification Number) via their London based Certified Acceptance Agent.

Our US tax advisory team, based in London and the US, are able to advise clients with US connections, wherever they are based and on all US tax related matters including US estate tax planning and filing obligations associated with non-US companies, partnerships and trusts. Please contact any of Mark Walters, Andrew Harrison or Scott Wickham who’d be delighted to help.

For more information click here 

MARK WALTERS email +44 (0)20 7893 3497 - ANDREW HARRISON email +44 (0)20 7893 2756 - SCOTT WICKHAM here +44 (0)20 7893 2766

Expat Tax Professionals LLC

Expat Tax Professionals LLC

411 Hackensack Ave, 2nd Floor Hackensack, NJ 07601

www.expattaxprofessionals.com

US: +1 718 887-9933

UK: +44 (0)20 3642 0423

When you live and work overseas, the last thing you need to worry about is the IRS. US tax law is complex, always changing, and probably the furthest thing from your mind.

Expat Tax Professionals was founded by international tax experts with extensive American tax code experience.

We don’t outsource anything to contractors - we only have our own seasoned, licensed CPAs and tax attorneys preparing and reviewing every tax return.

With Expat Tax Professionals, you have the convenience of being able to handle your taxes completely online or working directly with a seasoned CPA for more complex tax needs.

Think of our service as the best of all worlds — CPA Expertise. Online Convenience.

US Tax & Financial Services

US Tax & Financial Services

Address: 3 Harbour Exchange Square, London, E14 9GE

Contact: Joni Trulock, Group Marketing Manager

Telephone: +44 20 7357 8220

Email: j.trulock@ustaxfs.com

Website: ustaxfs.com

The US Tax & Financial Services specialist team of cross border advisors provides tax advice, guidance, planning and compliance services for individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts and estates for anyone subjected to the US tax system, wherever they may be in the world. Established more than 30 years ago, US Tax & Financial has offices in London, Zurich and Geneva with clients in more than 32 countries.  We also have dual handlers to manage individual tax obligations for US/UK taxpayers.  

The international aspects of the US tax system are extremely complex; not only are the statutes and regulations alien to US-based firms, but the additional informational returns relating to almost all aspects of an expat’s international lifestyle are complicated and carry stiff penalties if not filed correctly. Many of us here at US Tax & Financial are dual nationals and our offices are outside the US.  We live and work here with these international issues daily.  

Esquire Group

Esquire Group

Email: info@esquiregroup.com

Web: www.esquiregroup.com

International taxation. Admittedly, not the sexiest of topics for most people. But we at Esquire Group aren’t most people. Not only is the team at Esquire Group dedicated to international taxation, with specialised knowledge drawn from years of experience, but we also know first-hand what running a successful global company entails. With offices in multiple countries, we recognise the actual challenges of conducting international business, from cross-border tax issues down to managing multiple languages, currencies, and time zones. And, since many of us live as expats or as members of multinational families ourselves, we understand the realities of those challenges as well.

In other words, we get it.

For almost 15 years, Esquire Group has been helping clients navigate the complicated world of international tax matters. Because we are a boutique firm, we provide our clients with the kind of highly personalised service you won’t get from sprawling corporations. You’ll get to deal directly with our experts and dedicated in-house employees—who have been carefully selected by founder and CEO Jimmy Sexton, LL.M.—instead of being relegated to seasonal contractors.

Interested in having us prepare your tax return?  Click here to get a quote.

Hayden Joseph & Co

Hayden T Joseph & Co

Tel: +44 20 3289 1040

Email: Help@AdvancedAmericanTax.com

Website: www.AdvancedAmericanTax.org

From our home in Southern Florida, Hayden T Joseph & Co, first expanded to the UK in 2011 and now has a presence in Dubai and 12 countries in South East Asia. Our firm's expertise extends beyond individual tax returns to more complex situations such as estate taxes, trusts, gifts and entity returns. We have many private clients with closely held companies and can assist with transfer pricing, structuring, business expansion or investments into the US, Dubai or Asia. Finally, we are IRS Certified Acceptance Agents so can assist with ITIN applications. Send us an email and let's setup an introductory call today!

SDC Global 

Stacy Collier, MPA, CPA\

P) 346.231.1195 | (F) 346.231.1194

Address: P.O. Box 1278, Columbus, Texas 78934

Email: stacy@sdcglobalcpa.com

Website: www.sdcglobalcpa.com

Expatriates have special tax considerations both at home and abroad. The complexity and constant change in tax laws and regulations demand a higher level of knowledge and service. It is important to work with a Certified Public Accountant knowledgeable of the unique reporting requirements facing US citizens residing abroad. The penalties are too significant to risk.

We make the tax compliance process as easy and painless for you as possible. We offer free consultations and up-front pricing.

Locations and time zones are not a hindrance, we have clients around the world, on six of the seven continents. We have systems established and in place to work with clients around the world. This includes a secure client portal for uploading documents.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your filing needs.

H&R Block

Visit www.hrblock.com/expat-tax-preparation

Whether a new or seasoned expat, filing a US tax return may seem overwhelming, but luckily H&R Block Expat Tax Services can help! Their advisors specialise in taxes for US expats, relieving the stress of tax season and helping you meet your US tax filing obligations. Their virtual process is fast, easy, and secure.

H&R Block’s team of highly specialised CPAs, tax attorneys, and Enrolled Agents are trained to understand your unique tax situation. From simple returns to the more complex, your taxes will be completed with accuracy — in fact, it’s guaranteed!

H&R Expat Tax Services makes it easy for you to file taxes from anywhere. A dedicated tax advisor will be with you from start to finish, acting as an advocate throughout the filing process — all within a secure, virtual portal!

Satis Asset Management Limited

Contact: Ross Badger

Address: Ground Floor, 45 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JG

Tel: 020 7004 7129

Email: ross.badger@satisuk.com and gemma.walsh@satisuk.com  

Website: www.satisuk.com 

As an American living abroad your financial life is probably subject to many complexities. You may also be experiencing a reluctance from financial organisations to take you on. We are one of the few firms in the UK happy and able to provide you with the service you may be looking for.

We offer a family office fee-based approach that combines wealth management and specialist tax advice so that you can be sure you are making the most of your global financial position and reporting correct returns in the US and in the UK.

Our service includes:

• An understanding of your unique challenges

• An insight into the ever-changing cross border investment and tax reporting landscapes

• The ability to construct a ‘portable’ investment portfolio

• International tax planning advice and tax reporting in the US and the UK

• Administrative support

• Foreign currency advice

• Real estate advice

• Business and employee benefits advice.

By Dr. Sebastian Renz MRCGP DFSRH DOccMed – Medical Director

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) provides healthcare to residents free at the point of delivery. General Practitioners and consultant specialists in the NHS work hard to provide excellent healthcare to their patients. However, expatriates residing in the UK temporarily may not be eligible for NHS treatment and American residents may choose to have additional private cover. This article aims to give an overview of the private insurances available in the UK.

UK based insurances

There are several private UK insurances such as BUPA UK, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Vitality Health or Simply Health offering a variety of packages. The main advantage is that they provide fast access to appointments with a consultant specialist and fast access to private diagnostics such as blood tests and scans. Unfortunately, private GP care is usually not covered and specialist referrals are required from your GP. Pre-existing conditions and routine health checks are often excluded. It is therefore important to review the policy carefully including the small-print.

International Insurances

Large global insurance companies such as Cigna, Aetna Global, Allianz and BUPA International offer comprehensive private health cover. These include consultant specialist as well as private GP care. The insurance policies are usually comprehensive but are more expensive than the mainstream UK insurances.

International insurances for expatriates from their home country

For international expatriates planning a move to the UK it is advisable to find out about private international insurance with their existing insurance in their home country. They often provide comprehensive health plans which are more cost-effective than mainstream international or UK-based insurances.

At +richmond practice we offer a GP membership package providing unlimited private GP consultations. The GP membership is particularly suited to individuals who either have no private insurance or have a UK based private insurance without private GP cover. For further information please contact us on 020 8940 5009 or email us at mail@richmondpractice.co.uk