Overseas Visitors v5
Overseas Visitors
Patient Information
- Author ID: MA
- Leaflet ref: Corp 021
- Version: 5
- Leaflet title: Overseas Visitors
- Last review: February 2023
- Expiry date: February 2025
Background
Not everyone is entitled to free NHS treatment in England. This leaflet explains what should happen when an overseas visitor needs NHS treatment at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS FT. The leaflet is intended for staff and patients at the Trust.
NHS Hospital treatment is free to people classed as ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, which means you must be living lawfully in the UK on a settled basis. Examples of factors which do NOT mean an individual is entitled to access free NHS treatment include:
- Being a British Passport holder
- Current or previous payment of UK taxes
- Current or previous National Insurance contributions
- Being registered with a GP
- Having an NHS number
- Owning property in the UK
When visiting the Trust you may be asked to provide documents to prove your identity, your residency status or healthcare cover. These could include:
- A valid passport
- A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Evidence of payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge
- A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Details of travel or health insurance
- Any UK Visa you may have been granted.
- A Council Tax bill, Utility bills, tenancy agreement or shipping documents
- A contract of employment
- UK bank statements.
From Monday 23rd October 2017 new charging regulations applied for overseas visitors receiving healthcare in England. The regulations placed a new, legal obligation on NHS providers to charge for non-urgent treatment in advance, where an individual has not provided evidence to support their entitlement to free NHS treatment or it has been established that a person is not eligible for free NHS treatment. If you believe these regulations may apply to you, you must notify a member of staff.
Payment
Payment can be made by cash, credit or debit card or by bank transfer. Please contact us for details.
Under the terms of the Charging Regulations, the NHS is obliged to inform the Home Office of unpaid debts and this information could affect your right to enter or remain in the UK and any future visa applications you may make. The National Health Service Act 2006 and the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2017 determine the criteria for those who should pay for NHS treatment.
If you have any questions or require advice, please contact:
Overseas Visitors Team
Contact Number: 01942 822240 (ext. 2240)
Email: overseasvisitorsenquires@wwl.nhs.uk