Covered by NHS when I am travelling? Am I still a resident?

[giblet]

I'm on a Tier 1 visa that is good until 2012. The visa in my passport says "residence permit". I'm currently employed, but planning on quitting my job and going travelling for 6-12 months and then returning to the UK (I will leave all of my possessions in the UK and can have an address here if necessary).

During the time I am away travelling, am I still considered a UK resident and covered by the NHS? Ie. if I have an emergency and am repatriated to the UK, will the NHS give me care?

I have no idea how to figure this out or where to look for more information. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

[twinkletwinkle]

I'm on a Tier 1 visa that is good until 2012. The visa in my passport says "residence permit". I'm currently employed, but planning on quitting my job and going travelling for 6-12 months and then returning to the UK (I will leave all of my possessions in the UK and can have an address here if necessary).

During the time I am away travelling, am I still considered a UK resident and covered by the NHS? Ie. if I have an emergency and am repatriated to the UK, will the NHS give me care?

I have no idea how to figure this out or where to look for more information. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

You will be covered by NHS when you come back to UK. However I hope you know that you will not be eligibe for ILR later as you will have a continuous stay outside UK for more than 90 days. Although it is not related to your question, but you should know as I did this mistake.

[giblet]

Thanks, I'm not worried about ILR. I can't find any documentation about NHS coverage--I think for major hospital care you need to live in the country for the 12 months preceding?