National Insurance Number...What if I had one but wasn't suppose to?

In 1995 I got very ill from carrying my first child. I ended up in Basingstoke hospital for a week. When I got back I had a NIN in the letter box. They (hospital staff) thought I was already married when I entered the hospital, I was out of it so  I didn't know until I got home. I no longer have the number, but it was in my maidian name. We married a few weeks later and I now go by his name. When we go back should I get a new number by applying or should I try to find out the number and just change the name?

Are you sure that's a National Insurance Number or was it a National Health Service number?  They are 2 different things.  The NHS number is what you get when you register for medical care.  The NI number is more like a social security number and you actually have to apply for it yourself if you weren't born in the UK.   They have to interview you for it as well.  It would have come on a plastic credit card type of card that you can carry with you.

I'm guessing what you received was an NHS number and I would not worry about that.  When you come to the UK, register at your GP's office and you will receive a new number with your married name on it.

I have a question about the 2 numbers also.  I'm in the UK now for at least a year but I am technically not a UK employee of my company - I'm still paid in USD out of our DC office (it solved a lot of problems and created a lot of new ones).  Should I apply for a NHS or NI number?  Am I eligable for one?  I do technically have to pay UK taxes...

Aaron

Are you here on a work permit, Aaron?  If so, I would say yes, you need to apply for one.  If you're paying UK taxes, you need to apply for one. 

As for the NHS number, you'll just need to register with a local surgery.  They'll send in the paperwork and you'll get your NHS card in a couple of weeks.