Finally Today

If I leave the UK from a 2 yr. settlement permit do I have to return my NHS-provided hearing aids?

I entered the UK on a 2 marriage settlement permit. I am hard of hearing and use hearing aids from the NHS. If I leave the country (divorce or my spouse and I move away) do I have to return my hearing aids to the NHS or can I take them with me?

Public Comments

1. The hearing aids are yours, you can keep them. You had the right to use the NHS so have the right to keep what you were given. It's no different to being precribed medicine, you wouldn't be able to give that back if you already swallowed it. I would advise you to get new batteries before you go, just enough to keep you going until you can find more in your own country. If you have any regular prescription medicine ask your doctor if you can have at least a months supply before you leave. Your husband's National Insurance contributions, and yours if you worked in the UK have paid for your care.