Post
by anonvtic » Fri Sep 10, 2021 10:57 pm
I currently have a GTV visa, valid until 07 Aug 2023. Earlier this year, my wife made a successful application for GTV dependent visa & arrived in the UK in May 2021. As part of her visa application, she has paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) & her BRP is valid until 07 Aug 2023 (same as mine).
During her antenatal care booking appointment with the midwife today (which she visited alone), they asked if she has been residing outside the UK for the last 12 months. She answered 'yes', at which point the midwife said that she will be treated as an NHS overseas paying patient, chargeable at 1.5x the antenatal care fees, and quoted that my wife will have to pay approximately GBP 9k in advance as per their estimate! The midwife also said that the NHS trust will issue her a receipt of payment, and a final invoice after the antenatal care & birth has been completed.
My wife was completely stumped. She mentioned her visa status and the fact that she paid the IHS fees, but the midwife didn't quite understand immigration matters. They completed the rest of the booking appointment, but strongly advised to my wife to resolve the issue with the NHS trust, before my wife can attend the next appointment.
I'd like to seek advice regarding the correct legal standing in this matter. What are our options now? Obviously, GBP 9k is a big amount, and I will have to borrow that from extended family, and this debt will surely add tremendous stress at home, especially during this important pregnancy stage.