Casa wrote:Petaltop, an insurance in highly unlikely to cover her for an exisiting condition.
I didn't say it would. I said she would need to pay for medication, tests, treatment. The health insurance was to cover anything else she might need for health treatment until she gets a valid visa.i.e. run over by a bus.
I've paid private a few times with the NHS and it is quite a reasonable price in the UK for minor treatment as it is in most EEA countries. The OP could get an emergency
free consultation today with a GP at a drop in centre and she should do that immediatley if she is worried.
Casa wrote:You're not entirely correct about NHS treatment only being free for someone with ILR or PR. The NHS surcharge gives access to treatment, which entitles the visa-holder to have the same rights as those with settled status.
They pay for that IHS, or at least most do. The IHS money goes to central pot to be withdrawn from by an NHS when a IHS is presented to them for treatment.
The IHS for free NHS it is only as good as the visa is valid. That's why immigrants need to generate a IHS number for a visa as that will be embedded in the BRP and they need to show the BRP when they want free NHS in future.
Also the Immigration law 2014 was written so that the NHS can withhold expensive discretionary treatment from those with an IHS only if they wish, such as IVF. The British will always get free full NHS at all times when they reside or immediatley when they return to UK or EEA. Those with valid ILR or PR get free full NHS too if they reside.
Casa wrote:Prior to the introduction of the new surcharge, those with valid visas (apart from visitors) were entitled to use NHS services. This means that anyone one holding a current visa, issued after the NHS Surcharge was introduced, can continue to have access to free NHS treatment. They don't need to have permanent residence. I've explained this to avoid worried members asking it they have lost their right to the NHS.
Yes, a
current valid visa. the OP doesn't have one and even under the old rules prior to 6 April 2015, they lost their free NHS when their visa expired. Nothing has changed there except the NHS must now check who has to be billed. Immgiration rules and NHS rules are not the same.
Now the consultaion part is free with a GP or nurse but before 6 April 2015 the GP could charge for that if they wanted to. So the OP is better off under the new rules.
Now also under that new law, for visas applied for from 6 April 2015, those with a UK visa of 6 months or less (and not just visitors) now must pay the NHS when they use it, with the exception of ICT visas (although that might change). Those with a visa of over 6 months need to genertate an IHS number for free NHS.
Casa wrote:To the OP, this isn't a straightforward situation and it may be wise to check with your National Health Trust to confirm what you are entitled to while you are awaiting your appeal.
I think she should go to a drop in centre today and seek medical treatment. As said, consultation is now free under new NHS law and at least she knows then what the problem is. Minor treatment in the UK is very cheap. Sort out if she can get the UK to reimburse her, later.
