NI number

Hello!
Just recently got my spouse visa approved and am coming home to my husband soon.
We were wondering, how do I get a national insurance number? Do I have to apply for it, and if so where?
Is that required for health care services?
Thanks for any advice

You don't need an NI# to get registered with a doctor. I've been here for nearly two years, been registered few times with different docs in different areas and only just now got my NI# since I just started working. Once you get registered with a doc, they'll give you an NHS number, which is different from your NI#

You need to contact Jobcentreplus, call them or go in. Me (US, in UK for two years) and a flatmate (EU citizen, in UK for five years) called them on the same day and got different but essentially the same procedures. They took my address and mailed me an application. I filled it out--just asking my visa details, address details, etc. I mailed it with a prepaid envelope they sent me. My flatmate got an interview about a week later and filled out the application with the officer there--she just brought her passport and lease agreement.

It was really easy and surprisingly quick, got my NI# letter in about ten days. The actual card hasn't come in yet, but that apparently takes six weeks. However, the letter has your NI# so you should be fine to work once you got it. I have another flat mate who started working before her NI# was issued so it depends on your employer. My employer apparently wanted my NI# before adding me to the payroll so it may differ in your case.

A national insurance number has nothing to do with health care. It is similar to a social security number.

Yeah, you are able to work without a NI number BUT you will be taxed at the emergency rate (of 50%, if I remember correctly)

Once you get your NI number, you can claim back the funds you were over taxed for.. I got back over £2K in 2005 because I was temping and then had perm work, but neither employer had put in my NI number (though, that was partially my fault for not chasing up with HRMC on why my earnings were so low)

Thanks for all the advice, and clarifications!! I really appreciate it!

Yeah, you are able to work without a NI number BUT you will be taxed at the emergency rate (of 50%, if I remember correctly)

I don't think that's the case. They put you on an emergency tax code - currently 747L

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/BeginnersGuideToTax/IncomeTax/Taxcodes/DG_078397

747L is also the standard tax code, so I don't think you are charged a higher rate....it will still be the standard tax rate.