Health tourism charges come into force in England Providers of NHS treatment are required from Monday to make sure patients in England are eligible for free care - and to charge them up front if not.
The measures apply to planned, non-urgent care - A&E, maternity, general practice and infectious disease treatment remain free to all.
The government hopes it will contribute to £22bn of savings needed in the NHS.
But the British Medical Association said the changes may prevent vulnerable people getting treatment they need.
Under the new measures, patients will be asked where they have lived in the last six months.
If they have lived abroad, they will be asked to show documentation that they are entitled to free NHS care, such as a non-UK European Health Insurance Card. BBC News
See also:
The measures apply to planned, non-urgent care - A&E, maternity, general practice and infectious disease treatment remain free to all.
The government hopes it will contribute to £22bn of savings needed in the NHS.
But the British Medical Association said the changes may prevent vulnerable people getting treatment they need.
Under the new measures, patients will be asked where they have lived in the last six months.
If they have lived abroad, they will be asked to show documentation that they are entitled to free NHS care, such as a non-UK European Health Insurance Card. BBC News
See also:
- Guidance on overseas visitors hospital charging regulations Department of Health
- The hospitals with no-one to keep tabs on health tourists The Daily Mail
- 'Health tourists' to be charged upfront for NHS care The Daily Telegraph
- NHS to ask patients for bank statements to check they qualify for free health care The Daily Telegraph
- Fears for NHS over scheme to stop 'health tourists' The Daily Telegraph
- Overseas patient charges could leave GPs swamped as last bastion of free NHS GPonline
- Pregnant British woman ordered by NHS to prove she is from UK to receive free treatment The Independent
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