NHS “Can Save £500m” on Foreign Care

A survey by BritishFuture.org suggests that more than 70 percent of respondents consider the National Health Service a symbol of “what is great” about Great Britain. But health care is costly, and British officials contemplate being more proactive in recouping treatment costs from foreigners. “Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he did not want to ‘turn GPs into border guards’ and no-one would be denied emergency treatment, but foreign visitors must make a ‘fair contribution,’” reports BBC News. “Savings would come from deterring so-called health tourism, recovering money owed by other countries and a levy on non-European temporary residents.” The NHS provides free emergency care and treats infectious diseases to prevent public health crises – and also has reciprocal agreements with many nations. The BBC article reports a perverse incentive: Doctors and hospitals who report treating foreigners must recoup funds from other governments on their own, or say nothing and receive NHS payments. Hunt argues the NHS is a national, not international service. Low fees for foreigners could attract health tourists. – YaleGlobal