The Government has recently published ‘Making a fair contribution: A consultation on the extension of charging overseas visitors and migrants using the NHS in England’.
The document sets out a number of proposals aimed at extending the current charging regime for overseas visitors and migrants who use the National Health Service.
Groups who may be affected by the proposals include:
- EEA nationals who do not have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Provisional Replacement Certificate;
- migrants coming to the UK to visit for up to six months; and
- individuals who do not have permission to reside in the UK.
The latest proposals build on previous measures in this area including the recent introduction of the immigration health surcharge. Many are likely to regard them as controversial and unfair.
Under the proposals the Department of Health aims to recover up to £500,000,000 per year by the middle of the current Parliament.
The deadline for responding to the consultation is 7 March 2016.
