GPs will be given new powers to charge overseas visitors for their services UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 15 May 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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GPs will be given new powers to charge overseas visitors for their services under new proposals announced today by UK Health Minister John Hutton.

In a consultation paper published today, the Department of Health sets out proposals to establish new criteria for determining who will be eligible to receive free NHS primary medical services. The proposals include an option that would allow GPs to charge overseas visitors as private patients.

Health Minister John Hutton said:

"We recently strengthened the rules that allow NHS hospitals to charge overseas visitors for treatment to ensure that abuses of our healthcare system are stopped and NHS resources are protected for residents of this country. It is important now to make sure that our primary care services are protected in the same way.

"The proposals we have set out in this consultation will strengthen the current system so that general practice staff and overseas visitors are in no doubt who is eligible for free access to a GP and who is isn't. With five million people registering with a GP last year, GPs, practice staff and the local NHS need to have this clarity. They also need effective powers to charge for their services when necessary. These changes are necessary if we are to protect NHS resources from possible abuse."

At the moment GPs have the discretion whether or not to register overseas visitors as NHS patients. Today's consultation seeks to bring access to primary care services - like GP practices - more in line with the regulations that govern access to NHS hospitals. On 1 April 2004 these hospital regulations were amended to deny free access to certain groups of overseas visitors including those with no legal right to be here and business travellers with no substantial connection to the UK.

The consultation will run until 13 August 2004.

Notes to editor

1) A copy of the consultation document 'Proposals to exclude overseas visitors from eligibility for NHS primary medical services' is available online via the above link.

2) The new rule changes which came into force on April 1 2004 were brought in to stop the following people from receiving free treatment from NHS hospitals:

-- Failed asylum seekers and others with no legal right to be in the country - they will be stopped from receiving free treatment for conditions which arise after their legal status has been finally determined.

-- Dependants and spouse of someone who is permanently resident in the UK will no longer be able to visit the country briefly just to obtain free treatment. They will only be entitled if they permanently reside in this country. For example this will prevent heavily pregnant wives of permanent overseas residents from coming to the UK just to give birth.

-- Business travellers to the UK and their dependants who fall ill or are injured on a trip to the UK. Only people who work and are permanently resident in the UK will be eligible.

Media enquiries ONLY to:
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If you are not a journalist but have an enquiry about this announcement then please call the public enquiry line 020 7210 4850