Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
May 20th 2014, 2:50 pm
#46
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
May 20th 2014, 3:00 pm
#47
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
As I have said and I can only speak from our experiences but we were fine immediately, we didn't need any treatment straight away but we were able to register as soon as we moved into our house.
May 20th 2014, 3:03 pm
#48
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
I repeat that the word RETURN has been used in a confusing way in the article.
These people aren't selling up in Spain, they are 'returning' or better, visiting to avail themselves of freebie health service often under the guise of visiting family and friends because they have been allowed to, up to now.
I admit I too was confused by the word return first time around but have now seen the rules addressing this.
Therefore, they are not ordinarily resident in the UK, therefore they need to be in the UK for one year with a six month leeway to get the NHS, per the previous dialogue and guidance from CAB and the NHS specifically addressing the reason why.
There is a slant on this that should be considered and is touched on in the article and a similar one from the Daily Mail a couple of months ago.
If you have previously been resident in the UK for ten continuous years and now have a UK state pension but are non resident, you are allowed to gain full hospital treatment when there is an issue that arises when you are in the UK that needs attention, including something that arises in connection with a pre-existing condition. It appears that this could be withdrawn for those who reside outside of the EU.
I have a question on this and need to find out whether residing in Portugal, for example, for five + months of the year, plus just less than three months in the UK, counts as residing in the EU for NHS purposes.
These people aren't selling up in Spain, they are 'returning' or better, visiting to avail themselves of freebie health service often under the guise of visiting family and friends because they have been allowed to, up to now.
I admit I too was confused by the word return first time around but have now seen the rules addressing this.
Therefore, they are not ordinarily resident in the UK, therefore they need to be in the UK for one year with a six month leeway to get the NHS, per the previous dialogue and guidance from CAB and the NHS specifically addressing the reason why.
There is a slant on this that should be considered and is touched on in the article and a similar one from the Daily Mail a couple of months ago.
If you have previously been resident in the UK for ten continuous years and now have a UK state pension but are non resident, you are allowed to gain full hospital treatment when there is an issue that arises when you are in the UK that needs attention, including something that arises in connection with a pre-existing condition. It appears that this could be withdrawn for those who reside outside of the EU.
I have a question on this and need to find out whether residing in Portugal, for example, for five + months of the year, plus just less than three months in the UK, counts as residing in the EU for NHS purposes.
Last edited by Pistolpete2; May 20th 2014 at 3:26 pm. Reason: There is a slant on this that should be considered and is touched on in the article.
May 20th 2014, 4:29 pm
#49
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
I am still not clear on our entitlement to NHS, especially hospital care. My husband, a non-EU person, did not live in the UK for ten years but he does receive a state pension, albeit very small, by way of having worked there for several years. I realize that with the passing of the Immigration Bill, things may well change to limit his access to the NHS and this is why, in many ways, I would be happy if they were to charge a levy on each person on a spouse visa. I think it would solve a lot of problems and would eliminate the uncertainty of entitlement.
May 20th 2014, 4:38 pm
#50
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
I am still not clear on our entitlement to NHS, especially hospital care. My husband, a non-EU person, did not live in the UK for ten years but he does receive a state pension, albeit very small, by way of having worked there for several years. I realize that with the passing of the Immigration Bill, things may well change to limit his access to the NHS and this is why, in many ways, I would be happy if they were to charge a levy on each person on a spouse visa. I think it would solve a lot of problems and would eliminate the uncertainty of entitlement.
The experiences that forum contributors have contributed to this discussion show that GPs and hospitals, quite properly, ask for proof of 'normal residence', but provided you have that, you shouldn't have a problem.
May 20th 2014, 4:38 pm
#51
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
I am still not clear on our entitlement to NHS, especially hospital care. My husband, a non-EU person, did not live in the UK for ten years but he does receive a state pension, albeit very small, by way of having worked there for several years. I realize that with the passing of the Immigration Bill, things may well change to limit his access to the NHS and this is why, in many ways, I would be happy if they were to charge a levy on each person on a spouse visa. I think it would solve a lot of problems and would eliminate the uncertainty of entitlement.
More knowledgeable people, please correct this info if I'm wrong
May 20th 2014, 5:19 pm
#52
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
Within a couple of weeks of moving back, I visited my local medical practice and filled in a form to be registered as a patient. In my case, no ID was required. I was asked to make an appointment with the doctor for a very basic check up and to submit some of the usual samples.
May 20th 2014, 5:21 pm
#53
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
The levy will apply to anyone who is not British or does not have 'indefinite leave to remain.'
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a spouse visa is 'indefinite leave to remain', so no levy should be charged.
That's a reply to Spouse of Scouse above.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a spouse visa is 'indefinite leave to remain', so no levy should be charged.
That's a reply to Spouse of Scouse above.
May 20th 2014, 5:23 pm
#54
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
i think it depends a lot on the GP practice. We still have our medical cards so not even sure we will need to fill in forms. We will see. No problem either way and I am making sure I have some proof we intend to settle permanently, like a utility bill and invoice for shipping goods, etc.
May 20th 2014, 5:24 pm
#55
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
No Editha, I am not sure on that. Don't forget, anyone on the first spouse visa does not have Indefinite Leave to Remain. That comes after 5 years.
May 20th 2014, 6:26 pm
#56
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
Well, in that case, I think your OH will probably have to pay the levy.
May 20th 2014, 6:55 pm
#57
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
I think if that is the way they decide to go, then he will have to pay unless it will only be applied to those getting visas from the date the levy is brought in as law. We will have to see how they approach this, but, as I say, I think the levy is a good idea.
May 20th 2014, 7:04 pm
#58
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
But I think the spouse visa income requirement is outrageous, and this will just add to the cost.
May 20th 2014, 8:39 pm
#59
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
It is rough, especially on young couples who are trying to get established in life. I really feel for everyone who has a hard time meeting the requirements so they can be together.
May 21st 2014, 7:01 am
#60
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Re: Actual experience of registering with a doctor in the UK
i think it depends a lot on the GP practice. We still have our medical cards so not even sure we will need to fill in forms. We will see. No problem either way and I am making sure I have some proof we intend to settle permanently, like a utility bill and invoice for shipping goods, etc.
We had still kept ours (medical cards) we did not need them when we enrolled at our Medical Practice.