International health insurance specialists at William Russell are urging expats to familarise themselves with upcoming changes to claiming their state pension and the price of voluntary contributions while overseas.   Here are the changes coming into effect in April.

Key changes:

Sharp rise in voluntary contributions: Until now, retirees living abroad have been able to make voluntary National Insurance contributions at £3.50 per week (£182 per year). 

From April, this will rise to £17.75 per week (£923 per year), significantly increasing the cost of securing full entitlement.

Longer eligibility requirement: The changes also introduce a new 10-year minimum UK residence or National Insurance contribution requirement (up from three years.

This could leave thousands with gaps in their record and at risk of missing out on future increases under the Triple Lock.

Growing confusion among expats

Interest in the changes is already rising:

• UK searches for “Class 3 National Insurance contributions” have surged 200% in the past year
• Searches related to pension top-ups have increased 40% in the past month
• Searches for the CF83 form in the UK have risen 70% in the past week 

This suggests many expats are unsure what the changes mean and what action they need to take before the deadline.

William Cooper, Marketing Director at William Russell, comments on what expats should do before the State Pension changes in April:

“Expats need to act urgently before 5th April. Paying voluntary Class 2 contributions is far cheaper than the upcoming Class 3 rate, and many people don’t realise payments can be backdated, sometimes covering several missing years at the lower cost and significantly boosting future pension income. Nearly 450,000 UK expats risk missing out on the April 2026 State Pension increase under the Triple Lock if they don’t take action, leaving them behind pensioners in the UK.

“The first step is to check your National Insurance record and State Pension forecast. You may not need to fill every gap; often, just a few additional qualifying years secure the full pension, so paying selectively can save money.

“Expats should check their eligibility for Class 2 contributions as soon as possible. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for Class 2, contact HMRC’s International Pension Centre or submit form CF83 – which assesses eligibility for paying National Insurance from abroad. Searches for the CF83 form in the UK have risen 70% in the past week alone, showing how many expats are seeking clarity.

“Taking action now could save hundreds or even thousands of pounds and protect entitlement to future State Pension increases. After April, the same top-ups will cost significantly more, and some people may no longer be eligible at all.”