Parent Category and Medical Assesor Blues

[LucyLou]

Arrggghhhh ... sorry, I need to let off some steam, and I fear I cannot direct it at immigration as don't want to jeopardise my Dads application.

Sponsoring my Dad (well, trying to) to come over. We've done the EOI, and ITA and he got referred to the MA who requested an "exercise ECG" and further blood tests. My Dad spent 300 UKP, getting the requested exercise ECG done (that was what they requested, so was quite vague and gave no indication what it was for). They also wanted a specialist report from his Cardiologist.
She wrote that the results were good, and as she expected given his history blah, blah but she would have recommended a different test done.

So, guess what, MA wants that done .. which will probably cost a further 300 UKP. Dad is only a pensioner so whilst he won't admit it, he can't afford.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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My Dads Application (under Tier 1)
Should add that this is all via the London Branch)

EOI submitted Sept 2012

ITA received mid Dec 2012

ITA returned 3rd April 2013

Had email from Case Officer 23rd July 2013, requesting more medical tests.

21st August 2013: Emailed Immigration the additional medical test results

7th Sept 2013: Letter from MA - they want MORE medical tests done

[JandM]

The MAs have the power to require as many tests and reports as they think necessary to understand someone's state of health. It's an absolute, so there's no getting round it. I bet you could throttle that specialist for what she wrote, sparking the further enquiry. When your father goes back for the other test, he needs to tell her (or whatever other specialist) very clearly the basis of the INZ medical, which is that they want to be reassured that there isn't any apparent condition which can be considered likely to be going to need expensive treatment, then with luck they will limit their remarks to his current state and (I hope) good prognosis. (A 'maintenance' programme of ordinary medication is no problem.)

[lavalamp]

Hi Lucylou
Know how you are feeling. It's all very frustrating. I got referred to a Cardiologist for an echocardiogram because of a heart murmur as a child. I explained to the Cardiologist what the exam was for and showed him the paragraph from the nz immigration manual about what is acceptable and if it would cost the nz health service. So he put in a letter that he did'nt see any problems or it costing them anything in the near future. (I think the manual says not cost them anything for at least three years). He was very good. Anyway sent it all off and got approved three weeks later. Also got letter from GP to say heart murmur had never troubled me. We are pensioners and this cost us around £300, something we could'nt really afford but there is no way round it unfortunately.

[Karen Phillips]

Just to clarify - the requirement about imposing medical costs says, The requirement that an applicant for a residence class visa must be unlikely to impose significant costs on New Zealand's health services is not met if, in the opinion of an Immigration New Zealand medical assessor, there is a relatively high probability that the applicant's medical condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$41,000. Note: Assessment will be in terms of current costs with no inflation adjustment.
In the case of acute medical conditions, the medical assessor will provide an opinion on whether there is a relatively high probability that the condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$41,000 within a period of five years from the date the assessment against health requirements is made.
In the case of chronic recurring medical conditions, the medical assessor will provide an opinion on whether, over the predicted course of the condition or group of conditions, there is a relatively high probability that the condition or group of conditions will require health services costing in excess of NZ$41,000.
The following factors have no bearing on whether an applicant is unlikely to impose significant costs on health services:
The ability of a person or organisation to pay for health services, pharmaceuticals, or residential care which may be required.
The ability of an applicant to gain access to the private health system.
The applicant’s possession of health insurance.
The capacity of family, friends, or a charitable organisation to provide care for an applicant. Hope this helps. Good luck! Karen

[LucyLou]

Thanks ....

I've let Dad know that he needs to "educate" the cardiologist into what she puts on the next report. He hasn't managed to get the next tests organised so yet to find out how much more expense is going to be incurred.

Oh, the joys!!!