Family visitor NHS query

[Anndeep]

1. What happens if a family visitor is registered at a surgery and has seen a nurse for a minor injury, offered to pay for treatment but told not to pay?

2. Does it affect subsequent family visitor visa?

[CR001]

It could yes, because they are not entitled to free NHS services (A&E for an emergency aside). The GP surgery would be aware of this and the receptionist would have to check eligibility etc. and charge the fee for private patients.

[Anndeep]

So what happens if a payment was made? Are receipts required. Does it help with subsequent visa applications?

[CR001]

Yes, receipts should be kept. I believe there is a question relating to medical services in the visit visa application form which should be answered truthfully. If NHS services were paid for, it should not have an impact on future applications as far as I am aware.

[ban.s]

was the visitor registered with the surgery as a private patient? if so, then the surgery would be charging automatic for consultation / treatment.
if the visitor was not registered as a private patient, then it needs to be corrected.

[CR001]

@ban.s - I worked in a GP surgery and often saw it where patients (registered & eligible) made appts for themselves for treatment and then brought the visiting relative with as the appt was actually for them, thereby creating a lot of confusion for healthcare professionals. Creates an enormous amount of admin and hassle.