NHS fees from previous visit -UK Visitor Visa

[UFM123]

Hi,

During my parents’ previous trip to UK, one of them suffered from a heart attack and had to undergo an emergency procedure. Being an overseas patient, NHS charged for the treatment. The invoice for the treatment was a significant amount and therefore NHS agreed to a payment plan (monthly instalments for a certain period). We are making payments as per this agreement.

My parents are applying for their visitor visa for this year and we are unsure as to how to answer the NHS related questions. They have answered “yes” for “have you received NHS treatment in the past” and “did you have to pay for it”, but have answered “no” for “have you paid in full” as a certain portion of the invoice is still due and monthly payments are being made. In the additional information section at the end of the form, they have provided details about the payment plan and they will provide the relevant evidence of ongoing payment with their application. Is this information sufficient to support their application? Since we have agreed an instalment plan, the outstanding amount is not considered NHS debt, but we are worried that having selected “no” to “have you paid in full”, UKBA might refuse to grant the visa. Any help/suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[blondesafari]

They are unlikely to be issued a visit visa until the debt has been settled. They should take out travel insurance in future.

[UFM123]

Thanks for your input.

[Frontier Mole]

NHS Debt
What happens afterwards
The debt will be removed from your immigration record after you’ve either:

paid in full
agreed to pay in instalments

This means it will not affect any visa applications or your entry to the UK.

If you agree to pay in instalments and do not keep up with your payments, the debt may be added back to your immigration record.

[Frontier Mole]

Extract from gov,uk above.

With the instalment plan in place it should not be a barrier in itself.
HOWEVER I would include the repayment agreement and absolutely demonstrate the payments made in the bank statement too.

[Ticktack]

If you've kickstarted the payment process, that shows you're reliable. If you've paid more than 50%, it helps. At this point, it's a 50/50 chance.

To increase your chances, why not use the money to pay for their next trip and offset the NHS fees?

Better to finish paying before applying again.

[UFM123]

Thank you Ticktack and Frontier Mole. Agree with your suggestions. I spoke to NHS and they have confirmed that visa decision should not be affected by the outstanding amount (less than 50%) as they are receiving payments per the instalment plan. But as suggested below, it feels like there is still an element of risk, as granting the visa is at HO’s discretion. Will see if we’re able to settle the remaining balance before they apply for their visa.

[AmazonianX]

Thank you Ticktack and Frontier Mole. Agree with your suggestions. I spoke to NHS and they have confirmed that visa decision should not be affected by the outstanding amount (less than 50%) as they are receiving payments per the instalment plan. But as suggested below, it feels like there is still an element of risk, as granting the visa is at HO’s discretion. Will see if we’re able to settle the remaining balance before they apply for their visa.

That's a good plan you have got in place