Services
Finally made it to register for the doctor at my current address. The documents they require (identification and two proofs of address dated in the last 3 months) in tow, I was optimistic. It was a good thing that I am feeling mildly optimistic or this would turn into another rant, because – as always – things didn’t go entirely smoothly. My national ID card was only accepted after I told the girl that it specifically says they accept that as ID. Also, apparently the two proofs of address (in my case, bank statements) would have to be “from two different banks” (What? Foreign students aren’t even allowed to open multiple bank accounts) or I would need a note from the Home Office. I told them that I don’t need a letter from the Home Office, being an European national. She came back after a quick chat with her colleague and said “OK, we can do this for you this time, as you would need to come back and you thought you were prepared”. So, now she was doing the favour for me!
No matter, at least I’m registered. Now to get my new patient registration done. Kind of makes me long for the simplicity of doctor registrations back home. Or, dare I say it, private healthcare. None of that faffy crap and carting forms back and forth.
As I got home, they called from my bank, asking if I “had a few minutes”. I knew what they were doing – peddling their post-study account. I had already been invited for a chat with a clerk about it before. They’re really careful to tell you of the wonderful rewards it includes (an interest rate) but neglect to mention until the very end that it actually costs you money. I can kind of understand paying for specific services (credit cards, etc) but the thought of £10 a month disappearing from my account for the sheer privilege of them holding my fledgling paycheck isn’t really that attractive to me. They used something along the lines of “it’s like a chocolate bar a day, so not very expensive at all” to which I wish I’d retorted “or you could not have the chocolate bar and save the money”. I remember years ago at a job this guy representing a credit card with horrid terms telling us to think of the minimum monthly repayment we should encourage the customers to sign up to the card with as being “like a pack of cigarettes a week”. What great and healthy comparisons!
I told the woman on the phone that yes, I am still a student (technically anyway) and that I would pop into the branch as soon as I could (which means when I have that mythical paycheck coming in every month I guess). Then it’ll be time for some serious bank shopping.
June 15th, 2009 at 16:48
A UK bank accounts. They’re ridiculously hard to set up at first, as a student. Only Barclays would let me open one and only if I put x amount of money into my account. I was able to shop around afterwards and managed to get a much better current account, good overdraft and low rates from Lloyds in the end, no monthly charge either. Monthly charges are ridiculous unless it’s a premium account including contents insurance or something like that.
And yeah, first time I had to see the doctor I didn’t have any utility bills under my name, making it a bit difficult. I don’t remember how I did get it sorted in the end.
June 15th, 2009 at 16:54
Yeah, once I actually have something to my name I bet they’ll be willing to offer me something more instead of me having to lie prostrate in front of the glory that is the UK commercial banking system. Not in a hurry until then, though they seem to be, heh.
I have been registered with a GP at my old address until now. Registering at my new address was supposed to be straightforward, but nowhere on their information forms did it say that I’d need two DIFFERENT types of proof of address, not merely two sets of original bank statements from a recognised banking institution. Gotta love the quirks that pop up on the day depending on the clerk tending to you.
June 15th, 2009 at 19:10
Wouldn’t be surprised if it’s got something to do with non-EU immigrants trying to claim NHS support or something, I don’t know. Oh well, glad you got it sorted.
And having bills in your name / being registered on electoral roll makes banks a whole lot nicer to you as you start building up a credit history report.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:05
Yeah I suppose. The current house setup is actually pretty sweet in that I just pay set amounts of bills to my housemates’ accounts every month and they sort it. I just live there. Suits me.