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Retired Britons Denied NHS Treatment After Moving to Nicaragua
12 Nov
Summary
- British couple diagnosed with rare blood cancer after moving to Nicaragua
- Denied NHS treatment, forced to pay over £64,000 for medical care
- Husband requires weekly dialysis, eating away at their savings
In November 2025, a British couple, Michael and Kim West, found themselves in a devastating situation after moving to Nicaragua for their retirement. Just months after completing the £230,000 construction of their dream home in San Juan del Sur, 69-year-old Michael was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.
The couple, who had previously been in good health, were shocked to learn that they would no longer be entitled to medical treatment under the UK's National Health Service (NHS) after moving abroad permanently. This meant they had to pay for Michael's lifesaving treatments, which have already cost them over £64,000, including weekly dialysis sessions costing nearly £460 per week.
Despite the immense financial burden, the Wests say they are much happier living in Nicaragua than they would be in the UK. However, Michael's condition continues to worsen, and the couple is now forced to fundraise to cover the escalating costs of his care. The situation has been a harsh reality check for the Wests, who had not anticipated the challenges they would face in accessing healthcare after retiring overseas.
