Visitors from China - Medical Insurance / NHS

[AMO]

Hi,

We have a few relatives from China coming to stay for 3 months (6 month visa). They're quite old and so we're worried about what happens if they fall ill.

As far as I can tell, on their side, they can give details of a hospital in the U.K. that they will go to if they are ill so that they can get treatment here.

However, if I wanted to sort out health care on this side, what are my options. The relatives are pensioners. How much does the NHS cover and if there are charges where can I go to get an idea of what the charges are? What are the charges if they need to see a GP? Can I get medical cover from an insurance company here?

Thanx

AMO

[Toothsmith]

Isn't that what travel insurance is for?

if UK residents travel abroad, they should get insurance to cover possible medical bills. I would assume it's the same for people traveling to the UK.

As non residents here on holiday, they would not be entitled to any NHS care. If they need any treatment, they would pay, and claim it backon their travel insurance when they got home, so how much everything is is irrelevant.

If something serious happens, then I would guess the hospitals would sort the bills out direct with the insurance companies.

I would think it would be a lot simpler if your relatives sorted out their own insurance in their own country rather than you trying to do it over here for them.

[hardpressed]

My understanding is that visitors from non EU countries are only entitle to emergency treatment, that is if they have a condition that did not exist before they came to the UK, other wise they are seen as private patients and have to pay.

[AMO]

Thanx for the replies!

[marrowgirl]

My understanding is that visitors from non EU countries are only entitle to emergency treatment, that is if they have a condition that did not exist before they came to the UK, other wise they are seen as private patients and have to pay.

I believe that is true. I work for the NHS and I was advised that they are entitled to emergency treatment only. I think any charges for adhoc treatment (i.e seeing a consultant/GP) would be much more than any travel insurance. For example, our consultants charged between £100 and £250 for an appointment, not including xrays, tests etc. The money can really mount up.

[suki1964]

I believe that is true. I work for the NHS and I was advised that they are entitled to emergency treatment only. I think any charges for adhoc treatment (i.e seeing a consultant/GP) would be much more than any travel insurance. For example, our consultants charged between £100 and £250 for an appointment, not including xrays, tests etc. The money can really mount up.

And thats for true emergency treatment,( not treatment arising from an exsisting complaint) and the second they are seen for treatment outside the Accident and Emergency department - they will be charged. And no its not cheap

Travel insurance is the only option, esp if they have pre exisiting health problems