GP registered me as "Private Patient" help...

Okay, so after a month of being in the UK, I thought it time to register with the local GP. Today, went down and registered - but because my visa (Spousal) says "No recourse to public funds" they would only register me as a private patient - which means it will cost £20.00 each time I go to the doctor. Not that I'm prone to illness or anything, but this isn't what I was expecting.

Is this right??

I thought that I was suppose to be eligible for the NHS when coming over on a spousal visa. Perhaps I didn't read the fine print??? Or is my GP wrong?

Does anyone have an answer?

Thanks
Lisa

NO that is not correct!

Print this out: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074376 & http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074377 and take it into your GP or contact your PCT and ask for the Private Patients person. They may ask for a copy of your passport details page and a copy of your visa in order to switch you over.

I was a private patient when I was a visitor but I never registered with my GP only had my antenatal appointments with my midwife at the surgery. When I came back on my spousal visa they didnt even ask to see it at the GP just signed me up!

Thanks Weby J - I Knew you'd have the answer.

I know it didn't sound right - thanks for the link - I'll take the info into the Drs asap

Lisa

You are most welcome. Sometimes the receptionists at the GP's are quite clueless, it is an ongoing saga here as to who gets the runaround and who doesn't. If they don't believe that you're eligible ask to fill out the form anyway or have them call their PCT person and check it with them, and I wouldn't leave their office until they do so.

Just got back from doctor office (literally one block away). Different person at desk, saying same thing - gave them the printout from WebyJ's link - she took a copy and said "my friend is in trouble" whatever that means.

But I think I'll bring that paperwork when I go to my initial appointment in a few weeks.

What a hassle!!

Lisa

Well I hope 'my friend is in trouble' means that they realized they screwed up and are going to fix it.

There are a few other threads about this issue. Some practices simply do not have the information they need and it can be a real struggle to get them to understand that they are wrong (sheer pig-headedness). If you hit this again, your next step is to contact the managing offices of the local NHS trust you are in as they should know the law and will be able to instruct your practice as to what they have to do.

Lisa just to let you know, that today I did register with GP myself, and the receptionist never menioned any fees. I just read the brochure she gave me, and even read the "final print" I don't see there any fees.
If I were you I would register with another GP.