Health Services: Foreign Nationals

Health written question – answered am ar 14 Mawrth 2013.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of David Blunkett David Blunkett Llafur, Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to restrict access to routine health care and access to diagnosis from (a) citizens of the EU, (b) legitimate migrants on short-term visas and (c) people from outside the EU who are in the UK on visas permitting a stay of six months or more.

Photo of Anna Soubry Anna Soubry The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health

It is already the case that overseas visitors to the United Kingdom are not entitled to access free national health service hospital treatment unless an exemption from charge applies under Regulations.

The Department has concluded a review of charging overseas visitors for NHS care with a view to making the current rules simpler, fairer and easier to implement. An announcement on next steps will be made in due course.

We will continue to provide immediately necessary treatment, which might include assessments and investigations to make a diagnosis, to chargeable visitors even if payment has not been secured in advance. Charges will be pursued afterwards in such circumstances.

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