Sally Redux

Not sure whether free treatment at A&E has actually ended or it's just a formula dream.

dunroving

Presented with a genuine emergency I can't see an NHS employee in an A&E ever refusing treatment or asking for a credit card before giving treatment. I hope it never gets to that point, either.

I think there is some talking at cross-purposes in this thread and similar threads (of which there are many - don't people know how to use the Search function??). Terms like "treatment in A&E" don't mean the same as "needing emergency treatment", but they are frequently used synonymously.

Presenting at an A&E department with a non-life-threatening condition isn't the same as needing acute treatment for a stroke.

dunroving

I don't think she is currently entitled to routine NHS treatment, same as UK citizens who live overseas and are just visiting the UK (albeit there may be new regulations coming into force at some indeterminate point in the future that might entitled previous long-term UK residents becoming eligible for routine NHS care).

I don't think anyone presenting at A&E with a genuine emergency would be refused, or charged for, emergency care. But as pointed out elsewhere, if that developed into more long-term care (admission for consequent health care needs), I think she would likely be charged.

Sally Redux

Does Robin himself have entitlement?

mikelincs

I think a lot of the A&E depts problems are the people using them as emergency GPs, there was a recent interview on the BBC of people who had attended the A&E dept of a hospital, and more than one said they had gone there because they couldn't get an appointment that day at their GPs.

Sally Redux

Dimwits are calling ambulances for all kinds of non-emergency complaints too.

formula

On your topic of calling other people "dimwits".....

It's a shame (for you) that you still haven't learned to carry out primary school level research. Or to even read the links that are given. Learning is not a chore for most people.

If you reread this thread, or others threads on here or any of the links given in those threads, free for all A&E hasn't "ended". It is however, ending.

Sally Redux

I admit I couldn't see a link in your post, hence being unsure.

Current NHS site didn't exclude A&E

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNH...-services.aspx

"If you are taken to A&E (accident and emergency department), a minor injuries unit or walk-in centre for emergency treatment then this is free of charge."

mikelincs

people from the EU should have the EHIC card, others should have some sort of insurance. The A&E depts will always treat genuine emergencies first and then worry about reimbursement later, but for people attending with non urgent conditions they may want to sort things out first.

formula

That's the present law. Now reread this thread (or any of the others on here on this subject) and read how the law has changed.

michali

The law is in place but we are not sure how it will be implemented as yet. Even the law relating to landlords has only been rolled out in a couple of areas, I think. Only time will tell what restrictions will be placed on expats and non EU family members.

Sally Redux

Surely we can only deal with the present law?

Did you have a link then?

dunroving

I'm not sure. IIRC, Robin visits for extended periods but still hasn't returned permanently (Robin, please jump in if I am mis-remembering!)

By the letter of the law, that would mean he is not eligible for routine NHS care.

However, IMO there is nothing to stop Robin declaring each time he comes back that he is back for good, and thereby claiming NHS care. I dare say this is not different than other similar situations where people claim intentions that don't really exist.

That is, until the laws change, I guess ...

Sally Redux

I registered with a GP no problem but have been asked during consultations if I'm back for good. I wasn't sure if this was an official-type question or part of an icebreaker conversation.

As the OP is asking about a holiday the initial advice to get travel insurance seems sound, however I have missed something major (this is possible) if emergency treatment is going to be billed.

michali

It must depend on GP surgeries etc as when we returned seven months ago, I re registered with the same practice and offered prof of address etc but they were not interested. My husband has been seen a few times and referred with no questions asked at all. We will see what the new law entails for those already here on a spousal visa.