Hi nomads!
I'm moving to the UK next year (February or March). Just trying to figure out the best order of things to do when I move there!
1. How to get a NHS number (I believe I visit a GP and they'll get me one?)
2. How to get a NIS/ job number (I call job centre once i'm there and they book an appointment?)
With the job/ insurance numbers - do they need permanent addresses? Do I get the flatshare first, or the insurance and job numbers first? I'm an Australian citizen, but also have a british citizenship and passport from when i was an infant. I'm a british citizen but never lived there so need to apply for all of the above, without a visa.
3. Need to open a UK bank account (what proof do they need, do I need a permanent address?) Is there anything I can setup in Australia before I go to get the ball rolling>?
4. I'll be staying in AirBnB but then looking to flatshare - what are they looking for? Will they need proof of work/ my NHS number or just proof i can cover the rent?
5. If I'm living and working over there, do I still get travel insurance (since it's not technically travel), or need to get different insurance over there? Also because I'm looking to travel to other countries on weekends etc, do i then purchase separate policies each time as I don't know where I'm going yet and when?
Sorry for the bombardment of questions! Just trying to get my head around things! I'm not sure which order to do all this by - if i start one process and they require me to complete another one first I'm scared I'll be chasing my tail for weeks!
When I was living there I bought annual travel insurace for travelling in Europe. It was around 80 quid from STA travel. There are plenty of companies offering similar policies - just depends on the level of cover you want and if you want Europe or Worldwide, and include winter sports etc. Once you have your national insurance card you should apply for a European Health Insurance Card (it's free). If you need to go to a doctor whilst somewhere in the EEA (EU+Norway, Switzerland etc), then you are charged the same as a local.
For your first few weeks it may be advisable to have travel insurance from your own country whilst you wait for any paperwork etc to be completed.
Please note that you'll also have to pay council tax - this may be included in your rent, but more likely you'll have to sort this yourself. Also be aware that if you want to legally watch live TV, then you need a TV licence