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New proposals on the access of foreign nationals’ to the NHS, aimed at preventing health tourism were set out today by the Department of Health.

The series of proposals being consulted on from today includes:

a number of options requiring visitors to the UK to have health insurance;extending the period of time that UK residents can stay outside the country on a regular basis before losing their automatic entitlement to NHS treatment; failed asylum seekers who are not co-operating with the UK Border Agency should not be entitled to free healthcare, but those who are cooperating will not have to pay for NHS treatment;

The options for a health insurance system set out in the consultation aim to deter ‘health tourists’ entering the country to obtain treatment and increase the payments that the NHS receives from treating overseas visitors.

Linked to this, the Home Office is also consulting on a proposal to refuse entry to the UK to those who have significant outstanding debts for previous NHS treatment.

Health Minister Mike O’Brien said:

“Whilst the NHS has a duty to any person whose life or long-term health is at immediate risk, we cannot afford to be an international health service, providing free treatment for all.

“Striking a balance between public health, migration and humanitarian principles is challenging. We are however, determined to address these challenges and deliver high quality care to all those with a legal right to it, while protecting our National Health Service from those who would abuse it.”

Border and Immigration Minister, Phil Woolas, said:

“I believe that those who have benefited from our system should pay the debt they owe.

“We are now seeking views on denying entry to the UK to those who incur debt to the NHS.”

The Department of Health consultation also contains a proposal to relax the rules for UK residents who travel abroad for extended periods. UK residents are currently allowed to stay outside the UK on a regular basis for up to three months before they risk losing their automatic entitlement to NHS treatment – under new proposals this would be extended to six months.

Alongside this, we are proposing that only those failed asylum seekers who are co-operating formally with the UK Border Agency, prior to returning to their own country, should remain entitled to free healthcare. It is important for public health reasons that those in need of it are given necessary access to health care. However, those who do not co-operate with UKBA will be charged.

Notes to Editors

1. The consultation runs until 30 June 2010 and the consultation document can be found at:

http:// www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/index.htm

2. The Home Office consultation runs until 30 June 2010 and the consultation:

http:// www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/index.htm

3. Written ministerial statements have been laid before Parliament today (26 february 2010), for both consultations.

Contacts:

Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk