New rules to improve overseas visitors’ contributions to NHS care
Overseas visitors who need healthcare while in England will soon be charged differently for using the NHS as part of efforts to recoup £500 million a year by 2017 to 2018.
From April, the way the NHS charges these visitors is being changed so that it does not lose out on income from migrants, visitors and former residents of the UK who have left, who should all pay for their care while in the country.
Within the UK, free NHS treatment is provided on the basis of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon nationality, payment of UK taxes, national insurance contributions, being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in the UK.
The changes which come into effect from April will affect visitors and former UK residents differently, depending on where they now live.
Treatment in A&E departments and at GP surgeries will remain free for all.New Rules for overseas visitors
Implementing the Overseas visitor Hospital Charging Regulation 2015