Returning to UK from France after having a terminal cancer diagnosis

Hi All

My father-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 prostrate cancer in January of this year, Him and his wife are in their late 70's. They have lived in France for over 30+ years and always paid into the French health system. The care that he has received has not been good, at his last appointment he has been advised to have radiotherapy, (which he is reluctant to have), and because of this they seem to have more or less washed their hands of him. They are also in the process of selling their French home to come back to England to live with us. We need help on how to start the ball rolling for his treatment and palliative care here. It seems to be a mine field. If he is not entitled to NHS treatment he will have money from the sale of the house to go down the private healthcare route.

Many thanks for your help.

  • Firstly I'd get him registered with a UK GP, community nurses , palliative nurses etc can all be reached via the GP service .

  • Hello CLSTEW

    I’m sorry to hear about your father-in-law’s diagnosis and that his experience with the healthcare system in his current country of residence hasn’t been positive. It’s understandable that you have questions ahead of their return to the UK and want to make sure that he can access the best care possible upon his return.

    There are a number of different links to information that we wanted to provide you with that will hopefully help you/them prepare for his return to the UK.

    Firstly there is some information available on our website about NHS cancer treatment for overseas visitors that you may want to read through.

    The Gov.UK website has some helpful information about using the NHS when you return to live in the UK as well as information about getting treatment in the UK.

    Age UK has a helpful factsheet about returning from abroad that covers lots of areas that you may find useful. It’s also worth getting in touch with your local Citizens Advice who will be able to help you navigate the system.

    I hope this helps CLSTEW and that the move for your father-in-law and his wife goes smoothly. Do keep in touch if we can help with any further information.

    Best wishes,
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator