EEA2 and CSI for student marriage

[maroonfor]

I've looked all over this forum and I'm still a bit confused about my situation and hope you can help.

I am a non-EEA national married to a Swiss national (which we understand is considered as a EEA national). I applied for a EEA2 last year and mistakenly supplied the wrong EHIC card for my husband as proof of CSI. We were refused but I am applying again. I am really wary about what I should supply as proof of CSI and I have a couple of questions to make sure that I get this right this time.

First, the UKBA website does state that both my husband and I need CSI. Please correct me if I'm wrong, this means that as he is a student here (not working), he needs CSI and as I am here (not a student, but looking for work), I need CSI also.

We have a Swiss EHIC card for my husband (which I meant to send with the first application but didn't). Is that is enough CSI for him? Does anybody know if the Swiss EHIC card covers me also?

We are looking into getting a private health insurance for myself, if the Swiss EHIC card is not enough, does anybody know how much coverage is necessary and can recommend a company that they have used before and was accepted by the UKBA Home Office?

Thank you in advance for any help or recommendations!

[siroc]

I can empathize with your confusion.

EHIC is only accepted if your husband submits a declaration that his stay in the UK is temporary (i.e. that he intends to leave after finishing his studies in X number of years). However If your plan is to stay here permanently then CSI is required. I don't know of any EHIC that would extend its cover to you.

CSI is required for BOTH persons in the case where the EEA national is a student. See here for more information:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucit ... ealthcare/

In regard to what kind of private medical cover constitutes "comprehensive sickness insurance" - this is a grey area, and my lengthy research on the issue has concluded that there is no policy that will guarantee acceptance with the UKBA unfortunately. Many have recommended the WPA XS health plan because of its low premiums and the fact it was accepted by the UKBA (though not 100% of the time). However, if you haven't lived in the UK and been registered with an NHS GP for a minimum period of 6 months (such as in our case), WPA won't accept you. We've gone with the Aviva "Healthier Solutions" plan at £40/month for the both of us. Our application is still being processed so I can't confirm whether this will be accepted or not. Other members of this forum who have used Aviva for CSI have reported no issues.

[askmeplz82]

CSI only for EEA national if that EEA national is exercising treaty right as student

Just send correct Swiss EHIC application card

[Jambo]

Only the EEA national student needs CSI. see Q6 in EEA FAQs - Common Questions - Read before posting - Residence Card.

A Swiss EHIC + declaration of temporary residence should cover you. The declaration will not have any affect on future appplications (for Permanent Residence for example).

[siroc]

Only the EEA national student needs CSI.

Jambo,
I recall this being a contentious issue when I was applying under the student route. Half of the 'reputable' advice I received suggested it was necessary just for the EEA national, while the other half suggested it was necessary for both persons.

The information contained here seems to be rather explicit about it being for both the EEA national and their partner though:

Evidence of comprehensive sickness insurance

If you are an EEA national in the UK as a student or as a self-sufficient person, you and your sponsored family members must have comprehensive sickness insurance for the duration of your stay in the UK.

Or have I overlooked something?

[Jambo]

The website is inaccurate (not a surprise...).

Read the legislation itself Regulation 4 (2).

This is also reflected in the application form under Section 12.

[siroc]

The website is inaccurate (not a surprise...).

One could publish a tome on all their blunders.

[maroonfor]

Sorry I just realised there were replies on this post and I'm so glad I checked because it has been very helpful! And thank you Jambo for showing where you know this from because I too was getting conflicting answers so your FAQ page was really helpful. I feel much better sending in the Swiss EHIC card now.

I had one more question. As part of the application, we have to send in proof that we won't become a financial burden on the state as stated here from the legislation:

For the purposes of paragraphs (1)(c) and (d) (self sufficient and student) and paragraphs (2) and (3), the resources of the person concerned and, where applicable, any family members, are to be regarded as sufficient if they exceed the maximum level of resources which a United Kingdom national and his family members may possess if he is to become eligible for social assistance under the United Kingdom benefit system.

Can anyone tell me how much a person needs to show proof of that they won't be a burden on the State? For instance what is the maximum level of resources that a person must have to become eligible for social assistance? That is when does a person become not eligible for social assistance? I only ask this so I can provide the right documentation to show that we won't be a burden.

Thanks again!