Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
UK-Paying National Insurance contributions whilst away? UK-Paying National Insurance contributions whilst away?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Jan 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
UK-Paying National Insurance contributions whilst away?
Hello

Please can anyone enlighten me on the pros and cons of paying NI contributions whilst away?

I have a dodgy back/chronic pain condition, and if it goes bad whilst away there is a chance I might have to limp home and recover.

I am defiantly hoping to be away for a year, and then after that get up to two years each in Oz and NZ on a work visa, so i'm sure tax things suchlike are different whilst working in NZ and Oz.

?

Thanks

Fern
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
ask them close to the end of each financial year ( apr 5) how much they want to keep you fully up to date. not paying enough in any one year can disqualify your pension contribution for that year and also sick pay or unemployment pay for more than one ( they select a "qualifying year").

It may well be worth paying an accountant to do this for you.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fern View Post
Hello

Please can anyone enlighten me on the pros and cons of paying NI contributions whilst away?

I have a dodgy back/chronic pain condition, and if it goes bad whilst away there is a chance I might have to limp home and recover.

I am defiantly hoping to be away for a year, and then after that get up to two years each in Oz and NZ on a work visa, so i'm sure tax things suchlike are different whilst working in NZ and Oz.

?

Thanks

Fern
It's simple, but not so simple, depending on your own personal, detailed circumstances which are not given here by you (and are kept in your NI records).
In short, if you pay them then you keep a continuous record and thereby add to your overall years of making such contributions; this counts towards your OAP pension and has nothing to do with falling ill.
If you are ill and get yourself back to the UK then the NHS will deal with that irrespective of your NI contributions.

The not so simple bit is that the rules tend to change over the years surprise surprise, so it is a bit of a gamble on the future in any case!!

Hope this helps, but you really should get advice from the NI folks about your own personal status in accord with their current records.
__________________
Dave
Last edited by Walkabout; 19 Jan 2012 at 23:27. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
As I understand it they changed the rules a while ago so that you only need to pay in 30 years total to get full benefits. So depending on your previous and future payments it's a lot easier to have a break in the middle.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Fairly spot-on advice (above) so far Fern.

Also worth mentioning that both Aus and NZ have reciprocal healthcare arrangements in place with our NHS system.

[First hand experience]: Back in April 2007, following an m/c accident, I received some superb treatment, inc full anaesthetic surgery and four nights inpatient accommodation down in Invercargill NZ. Plus great follow-up outpatient care. All abolutely free of charge, just because I'm a Brit ..

I wouldn't let this worthwhile perk stop you from effecting private travel insurance on top though.

Just my 2p's worth.

Cheers

KEITH
.
__________________
Right Way Round ...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
I
In short, if you pay them then you keep a continuous record and thereby add to your overall years of making such contributions; this counts towards your OAP pension and has nothing to do with falling ill.
If you are ill and get yourself back to the UK then the NHS will deal with that irrespective of your NI contributions.

.
Walkabout, The NHS will be ok, but if you fall ill you may not qualify for sickness benefit ( and other things) It happened to me.

I had a car crash ( not my fault) but had to wait a year for sick pay etc until my NI payment "qualifying year" came to a paid up year.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by oldbmw View Post
Walkabout, The NHS will be ok, but if you fall ill you may not qualify for sickness benefit ( and other things) It happened to me.

I had a car crash ( not my fault) but had to wait a year for sick pay etc until my NI payment "qualifying year" came to a paid up year.
Not something that has happened to me (but I have had the car crash aspect), so I take this case study as reinforcing my point that each and every individual needs to take up their own situation with the NI authorities.

In summary, we are all individuals with unique circumstances, as of now, & the optimum solution for making a decision depends on all of:
1. Past contribution record
2. Current regulations, which are almost certainly going to change in the future.
3. What the individual has planned; Fern is talking about being out of the UK for up to 5 years.

I conclude that it is not even a one-off decision, as earlier posts have said, but something that should be reviewed regularly and the end of the financial year is a good time to do that.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 23 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
30, 35 years? I don't know
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor View Post
As I understand it they changed the rules a while ago so that you only need to pay in 30 years total to get full benefits. So depending on your previous and future payments it's a lot easier to have a break in the middle.

Correct in principle although I can't remember how many years became the new maximum; I did think it was 35 years before I read this post, so best to check the current regulations with those who do this for a living - the NI folks!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 23 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
How many qualifying years do you need?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Correct in principle although I can't remember how many years became the new maximum; I did think it was 35 years before I read this post, so best to check the current regulations with those who do this for a living - the NI folks!
The number of qualifying years you need for a full basic State Pension depends on your age and whether you're a man or a woman.
  • Men born before 6 April 1945 usually need 44 qualifying years.
  • Women born before 6 April 1950 usually need 39 qualifying years.
  • Men born on or after 6 April 1945 need 30 qualifying years.
  • Women born on or after 6 April 1950 need 30 qualifying years.
Source: Directgov


.
__________________
Right Way Round ...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 Jan 2012
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Cambridge, UK
Posts: 672
I'm 28 years old, so not to worried about state pension, I can always top the gap up for that later in life, and at this rate i'm going to have to work til i'm 70-80 anyways!

More concerned about the whole benefits if something bad happens to me in the meantime.

As per other recent threads, there is no way i'd come back and hope to go on the dole, i've always worked, whether it be in a supermarket, packing boxes, you name it. Just worried about coming home injured or sick (higher probability for me because of current health issues) and becoming a major burden on my parents (who wouldn't see me homeless but have only just got rid of me, and have another daughter to go!).
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cheap motorcycle insurance for Argentina (and other MercoSur countries) everson65 Trip Paperwork 13 21 May 2023 18:10
Selling US registered bike in Argentina/Chile? Bazmataz South America 27 19 Jan 2016 23:54
Corrupt Police in Argentina. Ruta 14 Kilometer No. 341 Laser Jock South America 171 19 May 2015 19:38
travel insurance DRad Staying Healthy on the Road 2 9 Jan 2012 23:08
Help - USA insurance for Europe citizens pweigand Trip Paperwork 2 20 Oct 2011 18:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:54.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top