We are committed to implementing the Hospital Charging Regulations consistently across our hospitals and services, using a robust and common sense approach.
NHS hospital treatment is not free for everyone. If a person is visiting the United Kingdom (UK) and requires treatment in our hospitals, they may be required to pay for the treatment.
Anyone of any nationality not legally residing in the UK as an ordinary resident at the time of treatment is regarded as an ‘overseas visitor’. This means that they may be charged for the treatment they receive at any of our hospitals, even if they hold a British Passport
To ascertain a person's eligibility, we apply baseline questions to all patients. These include, but are not exclusive to,
- "Where have you lived in the last six months?"
- "Can you provide proof of your UK address, such as a recent utility bill or council tax bill?"
Anybody who can demonstrate that they lawfully reside in the UK is unlikely to incur treatment charge, always refer to the Overseas Visitor Team if you are unsure.
Overseas Patients
An overseas patient is a person who is not ordinarily resident in the UK and does not permanently live in the UK. If they are visiting the UK or have been living outside the UK for more than six months, they may have to pay for NHS hospital treatment while they are here. This is regardless of whether they are a British citizen or have lived or worked here in the past.
They will be classified as an overseas visitor (exempt or liable) on our hospital systems unless they have indefinite leave to remain or become a British citizen living in the UK permanently.
Assisted Conception Services
To qualify for free fertility treatment on the NHS they must be a UK resident with either of the following status:
- Indefinite leave to remain,
- Pre-settled status
- British citizenship
Even if they hold a valid residency permit, or valid work visa they will be required to pay for all assisted conception services unless the above applies - this service is not included as part of their visa.
NHS services and treatments which are free for everyone
Some NHS services are free to everyone. These include:
- Accident and Emergency (A&E) or Emergency Department services. This includes all A&E services provided at an NHS hospital, e.g. those provided at walk-in centres or urgent healthcare centres. This does not include emergency services provided after the overseas visitor has been accepted as a patient or admitted to another part of the hospital which may be near the A&E department, or at a follow-up outpatient appointment, for which charges must be levied unless the overseas visitor is exempt from charge in their own right
- Services provided outside an NHS hospital, unless the staff providing the services are employed by, or working under the direction of, an NHS hospital
- Family planning services (does not include termination of pregnancy)
- Diagnosis and treatment of specified infectious diseases.
- Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- Treatment required for a physical or mental condition caused by torture, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, sexual violence
- Except where the overseas visitor has travelled to the UK for the purpose of seeking that treatment.
To discuss any patient circumstances, please contact our Overseas Visitors Team who will be able to determine their eligibility.
Tel: 0116 258 8908
Email: overseasvisitors@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
