registering with the NHS

My experience here so far has been:
The woman who answered the phone at my GP's  nearly hung up on me immediately. She immediately asked me how long I had been here and then was, frankly, in my unsophisticated American - a b*tch. She told me I had to pay taxes for 6 months or I could not see a doctor. I am here legally and have moved here permanently with my husband.

They told us the same thing.  No one would look at us before our 6 months was up.  This was confirmed by the health authority even though it states it on not one place in the Health Authority website.  One manager even referred us to the site to confirm the 6 month rule.  I had to laugh when i told him, it doesn't state anywhere about the 6 months. 

My suggestion is to purchase supplimentary health insurance. 

I have American Insurance. I guess i have to figure out how to use it over here. Its something fancy my husband's company pays for but I guess I had better sort that out ASAP. Thanks for all the help 

Frankly, bollocks...you are entitled to use the NHS, and if you can't find another surgery, I recommend causing a fuss.  Go over their heads and talk to the local health authority if need be.


Vicky

Anyone residing in the UK has NHS coverage from the day they enter the UK.

The three months thing seems to be related to when you are considered no longer living in the UK and therefore no longer entitled to get NHS coverage.

If anyone doubts these, just read up about it on:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/International/OverseasVisitors/OverseasVisitorsBrowsableDocument/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4099060&MULTIPAGE_ID=4971516&chk=uhB/w0

You can always print out the specific regulations and present them.  I am sure Private Insurance is just find, but if have to pay out of pocket for it, I would make sure you understand your rights.

Yeah I agree - keep trying and try another surgery or a superior if need be.  I think  you should just go there in person and try again.  Getting the NIN has nothing to do with your ability to use the NHS so you don't need to wait until your husband gets his NIN.

make a fuss.  you are entitled to this.  if/when you start working or your husband starts working their NIN contributions go towards this service. 

if you're having no luck with the GP surgery, go to the local health authority.  you can find out what authority you're in by going to the NHS website.  sitck with it...

Yeah - I am going to cause a fuss. My husband has already been living and working here for 2.5 months and paying what we (after only being taxed in the US) consider is a lot of taxes. I am going to be there tomorrow morning, 20 minutes after they open (Ill give them 20 minutes to prepare themselves for me). Also - once I tell them why I need to see a doctor they might be more inclined to register me  because they will think I might go all crazy in the office (I have issues with anxietyand stress) I appreciate the assistance and words of encouragement.
Thanks

Thanks!  I'm going to calmy talk to her tomorrow and show her what I printed from the Dept of Health Website.  I'm too riled up today (think it's finally starting to hit that I've moved!).

 Oh and in case anyone else stumbles across this looking for the link it's:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/International/OverseasVisitors/OverseasVisitorsBrowsableDocument/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4099060&MULTIPAGE_ID=4955329&chk=AO2LKU

I am so glad i read this.... doing my fiancee visa and i am pregnant and have two youngster moving her permanently with me!!! I am so tickled pink right now!!!!

We've moved from Bedfordshire up to Coventry and I was able to register with a new GP with no problems and have even got a NHS card in the post (my old GP said they weren't printing them anymore!).

Hubby, however had a harder time.  Think it was just because the person who ok's new patients was out when he went.  And he's the taxpaying UK Citizen lived here all his life and used to be a patient at this same surgery as a child!   

When it comes to registering, you just never know what kind of experience you're going to have.