HC Deb 18 June 2002 vol 387 c288W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if it is his policy to treat persons sent abroad for hospital or other medical treatment under the National Health Service as having uninterrupted residence in the United Kingdom as regards their entitlement to benefits; and in what circumstances in relation to health condition and country involved such treatment extends to those seeking overseas treatment in the private sector. [61909]

Malcolm Wicks

As announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Pensions on 23 May 2002,Official Report, column 461, people in receipt of Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or the new Pension Credit who travel abroad for medical treatment funded by the National Health Service will be treated as being resident in the United Kingdom.

For all other benefits, and for those who go overseas to seek private medical treatment, the existing rules on periods of temporary absence abroad will continue to apply.