Registering with a GP

i just left the gps office and they said i probably would not be approved because my spousal visa states NO RECOURSE TO PUBLIC FUNDS........he said they would submit it anyway but rudely stated they have a very long waiting list so it could be weeks......although yesterday the nice lady on the phone said they were accepting new patients......i was told if i needed treatment soon then i should just apply elsewhere.....but my question is really about the no recourse to public funds stamped on my visa.......anyone have any feedback on this for me........thanks steff

You qualify. 

Don't worry, you are entitled to the NHS.

I registered with a GP and already had an appointment no problem with my spouse visa.

If there is a problem just print this page and take it with you:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074376

ETA: NHS is NOT considered Public Funds.

thanks guys

If you have any more problems just phone up PALS and tell them about your surgery - thats what I had to do as they said my husband didnt qualify because he had been here less than 6 months - also not true!

I had the same problem Steffuny. I took that same print-off page and the GP receptionist said that it wasn't accurate because "every office is different".

Finally, I called the NHS Direct and they gave me a lady's name and number to talk to about the situation. She had one word with the receptionist and I was able to sign up no problem!

You qualify to use the NHS, I had the same trouble when I originally tried to register in 2005.

Still amazes me even after 11 n half years how much mis information there is out there .. good greif..  I mean you would think a GP surgery would know or if they aren't sure would look into it before saying no.. sheesh

At my GP, I explained that I was the spouse of a UK citizen, recently moved over on a spouse visa, and would like to register.  The receptionist asked for proof of identification, proof of address, and to see my visa.  She then gave me a form to complete and return to her.  I did so, and in several days, I received my NHS number/card.  No hassle, no fuss.  Very simple.  

Sorry to hear others haven't had as smooth experiences.  Can't believe they have so much trouble with us 'mericans. 

i think what upset me more was that he just seemed to want to humiliate me in front of others and here i was not really knowing any different.......i went to this gps office as it had wonderful reviews etc but i know i cant blame the entire office for one persons actions.....thank you all for the wonderful information......sorry to hear that others have also experienced such......steff

Hey guys. I just went to my fiance's GP this morning to register.  Our wedding is in 10 days, and I was told that I was eligible to use NHS the minute I got here on my fiance visa.  The lady was less than pleasant and said that I had to be here 6 months, and that I should consider getting private insurance because no one would register me.

Do I have to wait until I get the spousal visa?

My biggest problem is this.  I am currently taking prescription medication for grand mal seizures.  I'm about to run out in a few weeks.  The medication is -not- optional.  I have a call in to my neurologist in the states to see if he can renew my prescription there and have my parents mail them to me.  But what is the best way to get seen here if possible?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

That's nonsense. You are entitled to use the NHS as you hold a fiance visa. (My DH did this very thing).

I'd go back to the surgery, print out and take the links WebyJ posted above. And, without being nasty, make as much fuss as necessary. Unfortunately the receptionist at your GP is misinformed. If you still don't get any joy, contact PALS www.pals.nhs.uk

...
My biggest problem is this.  I am currently taking prescription medication for grand mal seizures.  I'm about to run out in a few weeks.  The medication is -not- optional.  I have a call in to my neurologist in the states to see if he can renew my prescription there and have my parents mail them to me.  But what is the best way to get seen here if possible?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

You can also go to a walk in centre with your old medication, they should be able to prescribe it for you, if you're not able to get registered and seen before you run out.

OK, this is possibly a stupid question, but will the information from the link that WebyJ posted be valid in Scotland as well?  I know it's technically a separate health system, and I think the entitlement is the same, but I'm just wondering if taking that particular print-out in would make much of an impression north of the border, or if there's a page somewhere more specific to NHS Scotland?