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A. Acceptable evidence of CSI
1.
From 20th June 2011 applications from EEA nationals applying for documentation confirming their right to reside in the UK as a student or self-sufficient person must show that they have one of the following forms of evidence in order to demonstrate comprehensive sickness insurance:
• A comprehensive insurance policy document confirming that the applicant has private medical insurance. A proportionate approach should be taken when considering what is ‘comprehensive’. For example, a policy may contain certain exemptions but if the applicant is covered by the policy for medical treatment in the majority of circumstances then this will be sufficient.
• For persons temporarily in the UK, a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC is the replacement for the E111 form.
• In certain circumstances, form S1 (or predecessor form E109 or E121), S2 (or predecessor form E102) or S3 (see below for further information).

B. Use of EHIC as evidence of comprehensive sickness insurance

2. The addition of the EHIC as a valid form of comprehensive sickness insurance follows consultation and negotiation with other government departments. Where an applicant presents a valid EHIC with their application as evidence of comprehensive sickness insurance then, in accordance with Department of Health guidelines, we can accept this as meeting the comprehensive sickness insurance requirement but only where they are resident in the UK on a temporary basis.

3. One way an applicant can demonstrate that they are temporarily resident in the UK by providing a ‘statement of intent’ with their application. The statement may include a declaration that the EEA national has a number of property and/or business interests in their home country to which they intend to return to. Alternatively they may provide details of their family ties in their home country and evidence of visits home. Any statement should be signed and dated by the applicant and assessed on its individual merits.
4. The EEA forms 1 and 2 will change with effect from 20th June to incorporate a section requesting a statement of intent from those
applicants seeking to rely on the EHIC as a form of comprehensive sickness insurance. Where an application is made but the person does not use the new form or has not used any form, this will require the caseworker to request a statement of intent in writing from the applicant unless it is otherwise clear from the information provided that the applicant is in the UK temporarily. An example of this may be where a student’s course is of a limited duration and s/he has a provisional job offer in their home country.

5. A statement of intent is not required for persons applying for permanent residence. As such, this is not included on the EEA 3 or EEA 4 form. This is because caseworkers must now determine whether the applicant has already acquired a right of permanent residence and a person’s intentions for the future are, therefore, irrelevant. In these circumstances, it will be sufficient for caseworkers to accept evidence that the applicant has had an EHIC for the duration of his/her five year period of residence.

6. The following forms of evidence remain unacceptable as evidence of comprehensive sickness insurance:
• Cash back health schemes such as dental/optical/prescription charges.
• Reliance on access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). This does not constitute comprehensive sickness insurance for the purposes of the Regulations, including for students.

A proportionate approach should be taken when considering what is ‘comprehensive’. For example, a policy may contain certain exemptions but if the applicant is covered by the policy for medical treatment in the majority of circumstances then this will be sufficient.

alekos wrote:as students and/or self-employed.

Jambo wrote:I would be very surprised if the HO deny PR based on such a short period without a CSI (especially as a job seeker you don't need it).
I suggest you try and apply at the earlier date. When detailing your wife history, just put job seeker during that period. Worse case, they reject and you apply again. It will only cost you the postage (and being without passports for a few weeks).