NHS Fees Confirmed

It goes on to warn that if patient is referred to Secondary Care they may not meet the criteria and could be charged. 

Is there any chance you could post a link to this document so I could read the continued part that you speak of?

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1087.aspx?categoryid=68&subcategoryid=162

"If you move to the UK, you will not be charged for NHS hospital treatment from the date that you arrive as long as:
- you intend to live permanently in the UK, and
- you have the right to live permanently in the UK or have a "route to settlement" that will allow permanent residence in due course

You'll be expected to prove that you meet these requirements.

Your spouse or civil partner and children under the age of 16 (under 19 if in full-time education) are also exempt from these charges if they live with you permanently.

If you're not entitled to live in the UK permanently but you've applied to the Home Office to enter or stay, you'll be charged for hospital treatment until:
- your application is granted, or
- you have 12 months' lawful residence in the UK"


This would appear to imply that provided you are in the UK on a visa with a path to permanent residence hospital care will be free at the point of use.   I would take this to cover a spouse on a "family of settled person" visa since this provides a clear path to permanent residence.

I have read that before but it seems to contradict itself! On the one hand it suggests once you are legally here, even "on a route to settlement" you are entitled to free hospital treatment but the second part suggests you have to have lived in the UK for twelve months before you are entitled to free hospital treatment.

The second part is for if you're not living "permanently" or on a path to permanence, or if you're awaiting a home office decision.   The way I read it is if you are in the UK on a "family of a settled person" visa you are entitled to all the same NHS care as any other person.

At least if they start adding an NHS levy there cannot possibly be any argument about your access to NHS treatment: a receipt for payment of the levy will certainly prove your rights beyond all doubt.

At least if they start adding an NHS levy there cannot possibly be any argument about your access to NHS treatment: a receipt for payment of the levy will certainly prove your rights beyond all doubt.

The front line guy will probably still be confused. 

The second part is for if you're not living "permanently" or on a path to permanence, or if you're awaiting a home office decision.   The way I read it is if you are in the UK on a "family of a settled person" visa you are entitled to all the same NHS care as any other person.

At least if they start adding an NHS levy there cannot possibly be any argument about your access to NHS treatment: a receipt for payment of the levy will certainly prove your rights beyond all doubt.

That is interesting  and makes sense. On another forum I was advised that even as a UKC I could be charged for hospital treatment during my first year back in the UK. For that reason I amended my private health insurance with the intention of keeping it for just one year. However, it was not really part of my planned budget so I will be so glad to stop it! I have been back for just over eight months now.

Is there any chance you could post a link to this document so I could read the continued part that you speak of?

http://www.rotherham.nhs.uk/foi/Guidence%20for%20GPs/Simple%20Guidance%20for%20Free%20NHS%20Treatment.pdf

and further: http://www.rotherham.nhs.uk/foi/Guidence%20for%20GPs/Guidance%20for%20GP%20and%20Staff.pdf

These are guidelines for primary care staff.

Thank you!

http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/blog/2015/02/migrant-primary-care-charge-proposals-shelved-now?utm_source=Migrants+Rights+News&utm_campaign=fc01a8213f-MRN_News_08-09-2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1084a7080c-fc01a8213f-217253533

Interesting!

http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/blog/2015/02/migrant-primary-care-charge-proposals-shelved-now?utm_source=Migrants+Rights+News&utm_campaign=fc01a8213f-MRN_News_08-09-2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1084a7080c-fc01a8213f-217253533

Interesting!

Well the thing is, I think this is the bit where they were going to put card machines in GP offices and A&E departments, it shows that somewhere up there somebody is not thinking stuff through. Because it is silly and completely unworkable. It should be filed under "what were they thinking?".

Now the levy is easy, just tack £200 on the visa fee....

This is interesting, because my husband, son and I are here on Tier 2 visas (for my husband's job) and we have received significant amounts of health care despite the fact that we haven't been here a year yet. I thought that the Tier 2 visas entitled us to that even though we're not here permanently, but now I'm confused....

This is interesting, because my husband, son and I are here on Tier 2 visas (for my husband's job) and we have received significant amounts of health care despite the fact that we haven't been here a year yet. I thought that the Tier 2 visas entitled us to that even though we're not here permanently, but now I'm confused....

Tier 2 visas are not subject to the new levy.  The levy is also only imposed for those applying after April 6, 2015.

Tier 2 visas are not subject to the new levy.  The levy is also only imposed for those applying after April 6, 2015.

Tier 2 (ICT) visa holders will be exempt. Tier 2 (General) visa holders will have to pay this contribution towards their healthcare in the UK, for applications from 6 April 2015.

Tier 2 (ICT) visa holders will be exempt. Tier 2 (General) visa holders will have to pay this contribution towards their healthcare in the UK, for applications from 6 April 2015.

Oh snap!  I thought all Tier 2 were good.  Thanks for that!

Our visas are just for one year so we'll be reapplying in June for a renewal. I wonder if my husband's employer will foot the bill...!