Overseas visitor charge for using A&E

Andy_L

HHarry said:

I chatted about this thread with a family member who sits on the board of one of the Trusts.  A&E should be chargeable when used by foreign visitors along with other services, but rarely is because it is difficult & time consuming.

‘Free to all, regardless of immigration status’ is different to ‘free to foreign tourists’

in what way?

Equally, its an irrelevant distinction, The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015 don't mention immigration status but simply say

"9.  No charge may be made or recovered in respect of any of the following relevant services provided to an overseas visitor—

(a)accident and emergency services, "

TELLIT01

Andy_L said:

The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015 don't mention immigration status but simply say

"9.  No charge may be made or recovered in respect of any of the following relevant services provided to an overseas visitor—

(a)accident and emergency services, "

Precisely that.  Just presenting at A&E doesn't mean that individual will be classed as in need of accident and emergency services.  The OP's partner clearly did expect that just going in via the A&E entrance magically opened the door to free treatment for their foreign visitor.

oldagetraveller1

Hypothesis time. Foreigner receives a medical diagnosis, in their country, which requires paid for treatment. 

Said foreigner doesn't want to pay and decides to visit the U.K. thinking it will be free. i.e. health tourist. 

Goes to A & E complaining of pain from that medical issue. A & E sends them to a relevant department for treatment. They are treated at that department and wonder why they should pay when people who have paid into the system for years receive it "free" at the point of delivery?

photome

oldagetraveller1 said:

Hypothesis time. Foreigner receives a medical diagnosis, in their country, which requires paid for treatment. 

Said foreigner doesn't want to pay and decides to visit the U.K. thinking it will be free. i.e. health tourist. 

Goes to A & E complaining of pain from that medical issue. A & E sends them to a relevant department for treatment. They are treated at that department and wonder why they should pay when people who have paid into the system for years receive it "free" at the point of delivery?

Maybe that is why the OP hasn’t returned and answered any questions regarding travel insurance