Rules allowing upfront charges for foreign users of NHS come into force

System requires medical staff to establish whether patients are eligible for state funded healthcare before providing treatment

Migrants and visitors to the UK not eligible for free healthcare will from now on be charged upfront for the cost of their treatment, as rules come into force that also extend charging to community health services and charities that receive NHS funding.

The system, designed to counter “health tourism”, requires medical staff to establish whether patients are eligible for state-funded healthcare before providing treatment. If they are not, patients must pay an upfront charge that is currently set at 150% of the cost to providers.

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Continue reading... October 23, 2017 at 02:32PM