Going Back to the UK to Have a Baby?
#136
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: Newnan, GA
Posts: 802
Re: Going Back to the UK to Have a Baby?
It would not surprise me if someone who has retained a mailing address in the UK and never actively removed themselves from a GP's books would be able to "get away with it". Clearly it's against the rules, but you are talking about an organisation that is simply not set-up to think the way you need to think when it comes to charging for the service. I'd hazard a guess, knowing people who work in the NHS, that most staff wouldn't even know what to do if they did suspect someone was playing the system. Now, considering they potentially have a UK address, maybe remained registered with a GP and probably speak like a local, it would surprise me if they did end up with a bill. Maybe in areas more used to visitors using the system I suppose? I certainly do not remember having to to be asked any such questions when using the NHS.
That all being said, clearly it looks like a bad idea and undermines the entire funding principles for the NHS - it would be like me coming here to the USA and claiming on someone else's insurance!
That all being said, clearly it looks like a bad idea and undermines the entire funding principles for the NHS - it would be like me coming here to the USA and claiming on someone else's insurance!
#137
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: Newnan, GA
Posts: 802
Re: Going Back to the UK to Have a Baby?
That's the thing - only a few basic details for someone who has retained an active bank account and possiblly uses their family address for mailing and you could pretty easily scam the system - with little effort, maybe not even needing to answer any questions in some instances. My GP & Dentists never confirmed our address details after the day we registered, over a number of years. I can easily see a return visit and they'd treat us without checking.
I believe it is a bill sent out for payment, which creates the added issue for the NHS in non-payments by non resident people.
I suppose the question an NHS Trust asks itself is whether the costs of having the depts necessary to run billing and chase payment is worth it vs. the cost of potentially providing services to people who are not eligible. The NHS runs at about half the cost per capita, even allowing for this, vs. the USA system, last time I saw reporting on it.
#138
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Going Back to the UK to Have a Baby?
Yes my NI Number, I do have it but I doubt if I needed it more that once every 10 years.
#139
Re: Going Back to the UK to Have a Baby?
It’s quite hit and miss depending on which trust your hospital falls under. Some ask no questions, some require to fill a side of A4 with your address, NINO, passport number, employment status, travel history, etc.. Also remember that a trip to a GP or A&E count as primary care and are free to all including visitors. It’s secondary care - in-patient treatment - where people will start asking questions.