Hello all!
I am moving over to London to join my finacee on June 1st, I would like to have some very basic health insurance during the time without my current health insurance in the USA and when I can join the NHS.
It ought to be about three months I'd need coverage.
Does anyone have any advice?
Is it required to have coverage? is there a fee I'd pay in penalty when I go to convert to a Spouse visa and join the NHS?
Thank you all so much for any help.
~Lucas
Hi Lucas, congratulations on the visa!
The best advice is to get insured.
It's not a requirement as such to have coverage but it's strongly advised to get it. If you don't, any routine treatment, or any treatment beyond actual emergency treatment itself would be charged to you at 150% of the cost of the bill.
This would have to be paid before you could proceed with your FLR application as any more than a 500gbp outstanding NHS debt will lead to an automatic refusal.
You can read about it here.
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/uk-visitors/visiting-england/Pages/visitors-from-outside-the-eea.aspxWhen you apply for FLR, you will pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application which will will cover you for the length of your visa.
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/overviewI have not used them but I've seen World Nomads recommended.
Welcome.
