NHS Surcharge when already paying National Insurance

[thesk000]

Hi All

As a husband of a British citizen, I am applying next month for extending my spouse visa under further leave to remain FLR(M) I am currently in full time employment and have been with the same company for 4 years now (first 2 years under post-study work (PSW) visa and currently under Spouse Visa)

Can someone explain why or point me in the right direction as to why I have to pay NHS Surcharge if I am already paying National Insurance for the past 4 years now !!!
Sound absurd to me !!!

Many thanks in advance.

[CR001]

All visa extensions or entry clearance visas have to pay. Paying NI is completely separate to paying the surcharge as a migrant.

[Casa]

You're confused about what NI contributions are related to.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/na ... -statement

[thesk000]

Thanks for your quick reply guys.

ok so not NI, but income tax then, either ways I am paying into the system to avail NHS facilities
Why should I pay the surcharge then?

What am I missing?

I know this is argument is not going to help me, if it is a rule but it is a rule but just wanted to make sure I am understanding this correctly.

Thanks again

[Wanderer]

Thanks for your quick reply guys.

But I am not sure how I am getting confused?
Part of the NI I pay goes towards NHS, so I can use the NHS.
But yet I need to pay this surcharge, again so I can use the NHS?

What am I missing?

I know this is argument is not going to help me, if it is a rule but it is a rule but just wanted to make sure I am understanding this correctly.

Thanks again

It's a surcharge, i.e. an additional charge because the applicant will not have paid or not have paid much into the NHS which (it has beed decided) is unfair to those who have all their lives.

Look at the cost of private medical insurance that will cover all pre-existing conditions in the UK and you see what a bargain it is and probably volunteer to pay more!

[thesk000]

Thanks
Makes sense ....

[noajthan]

Thanks
Makes sense ....

To make sure you get your money's worth from NHS you could always take up smoking, drinking;
also adopt a fast-food diet, and join a 'dangerous sports club' for good measure.

[357mag]

maybe 16,17,18 year old brits should pay it too as they also have not paid enough into the system yet.

[Wanderer]

maybe 16,17,18 year old brits should pay it too as they also have not paid enough into the system yet.

But they have parents who have. And generally they don't get ill or need NHS at that age.

Alternatively look at the the amount of NHS resources absorbed into treating folks with children with birth defects from countries where marrying first cousins is common. Maybe they should pay more?

[thesk000]

I think we all need to calm down.
There are definitely 2 sides to this argument.
For me: I haven't used NHS once since I have been in this country, to the point where my GP Surgery rang to strike me off their register as I had never been in. Also my wife who works in A&E says surcharge should also be paid by all those who come in for too being drunk!