Medical issues

[cricketfan]

Hi,

I've applied for a multiple entry visitor visa for my mum and it's been referred to the medical assessor.

I did know the multiple entry visa required a through medical, but didn't realize it would be an issue. She's coming for a holiday and in hindsight I regret not applying for a shorter visit visa.

We have tickets booked and i'm feeling foolish. My concern is this.... If her BMI is too high as the med report says, does that mean she can never travel to see me. A little perplexed and worried. She is supposed to fly soon and I could cancel the tickets, but I'm worried about the implications of this. Does this mean if the reports are really negative (at this stage we don't know yet) she can't ever travel to NZ? How long based on historical evidence does the medical assessor take with their findings. I'm looking for anyone that has experience dealing with this to share what they know.

Cheers.

[JandM]

Your mother would be able to visit you on a visitor's visa - a medical is not required for that.

How much of a thing they make of this may well depend on how much over the limit her BMI is. Some people have been told to reduce their BMI within a certain time, and then submit a doctor's report that this has happened.

[IanW99]

Originally Posted by JandM

Your mother would be able to visit you on a visitor's visa - a medical is not required for that.

How much of a thing they make of this may well depend on how much over the limit her BMI is. Some people have been told to reduce their BMI within a certain time, and then submit a doctor's report that this has happened.

Actually if you apply for a visitors visa you must satisfy the following requirements...

To be issued with a visitor's visa or granted a visitor's permit, applicants must:

a. meet the requirements under Generic Temporary Entry policy for:
i. lodging an application for a temporary entry visa or permit as set out at E4, and
ii. bona fide applicants as set out at E5, and
iii. health and character as set out at E6 and;
b. meet the funds or sponsorship requirements (see V2.20); and
c. meet the onward travel requirements, if relevant (see V2.25).

So you can see that there are health requirements to be met even for visitor visas.

Whether a medical is required is a separate issue e.g. depending on the length of stay in NZ etc.

Ian

[IanW99]

Originally Posted by cricketfan

...
We have tickets booked and i'm feeling foolish. My concern is this.... If her BMI is too high as the med report says, does that mean she can never travel to see me. A little perplexed and worried. She is supposed to fly soon and I could cancel the tickets, but I'm worried about the implications of this. Does this mean if the reports are really negative (at this stage we don't know yet) she can't ever travel to NZ? How long based on historical evidence does the medical assessor take with their findings. I'm looking for anyone that has experience dealing with this to share what they know.

Cheers.

They need to assess the following...

Assessment of whether an applicant for temporary entry is likely to impose significant costs or demands on New Zealand's health services will take into account whether there is a relatively high probability that the applicant will need publicly funded health services during their period of stay in New Zealand including, but not limited to:
* hospitalisation;
* residential care;
* high cost pharmaceuticals;
* high cost disability services.

So if your mum is unlikely to impose significant costs during the period of stay then it shouldn't be an issue.

Also note that the immigration officer is obliged to to refer the matter to the MA if they have any medical concerns at all regardless of how small.

Ian

[cricketfan]

Thanks JAndM and Ian. She is coming on a 2 month holiday, but I applied for a multiple entry visa figuring it would make travel easier if required again.

I understand their concerns, and i'm guessing they have good reason too based on experience. But I have stated that I will handle any and every cost that comes up. She is employed and has a job to go back too. Just that I haven't a clue what happens from here.

Guess, I just have to be patient and deal with the due process.

Cheers and thanks for your replies.

[JandM]

In making my reply, I assumed (from your name!) that your mother is British - ? The regulations state that among those who don't need a visa for visiting NZ is 'A British citizen or a traveller holding a British passport who has the right to live in the United Kingdom (eligible for a Visitor's Permit for up to 6 months).' If your mother falls into this category, she'd have the same experience I've had on my trips - not needing to apply for any visa at all, and having to fill in a little form on the plane shortly before arrival, and having the permit stamped in her passport.

The UK Department of Work and Pensions site has this.

Under a separate health agreement, UK nationals who live in the UK and are on short-term visits to New Zealand are eligible for immediately necessary healthcare under the health system on the same terms as citizens of New Zealand. They should show their UK passport.

If the treatment relates to an existing medical condition, then a medical specialist must agree that it is needed to stop the condition getting seriously worse if it is to be treated under the agreement. If a new condition arises, the medical specialist must agree that you require the treatment promptly. In both cases, the need for treatment must arise during your visit.

You will have to pay the same charges as New Zealanders pay (e.g. for treatment at a doctor’s surgery or prescribed medicines). Routine checks for existing conditions are not normally provided under the agreement. Also, you are not covered for any medical treatment you go to New Zealand specifically to receive.