Tougher NHS rules for visitors proposed
Friday 18th March 2011
Measures to make it harder for overseas visitors to use NHS services could be due to come into force following the publication of two consultation documents.
In order to ensure "fairness and affordability" and reduce so-called "health tourism", the Home Office wants to prevent anybody owing the NHS £1,000 or more from staying in the UK until the debt is paid.
Additionally, a further review of the rules and practice surrounding the issue will be undertaken, considering whether visitors should be charged for GP services and whether to introduce a requirement for health insurance that would be linked to visas.
Public health minister Anne Milton said the aim is to create a system that maintains public confidence while preventing "inappropriate free access".
"These changes will begin the process of developing a clearer, robust and fairer system of access to free NHS services which our review of the charging system will complete," she said.
The Department of Health also recently launched four new sets of guidance designed to improve the care of vulnerable people by the NHS.
Written by Martin Lambert
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