NHS rules tighten up over free care

The Overseas Visitors’ Hospital Charging Regulations come as the UK government has faced criticism over laxness in checking nationality
and esidency as well as in reclaiming costs from European states.

Under reciprocal rules, EU residents insured with their countries’ health systems can have free NHS hospital care, if it is urgent and they have not come a “health tourists”. A&E care is free for all.

The new rules place a legal obligation on health providers to ensure non UK-resident patients are identified and “reasonable inquiries” made as to whether they should pay.

A health department spokeswoman said up to six months a year spent abroad may be disregarded (before, the figure was three).

If you are in the French system, apply before travel for the French “EHIC”, the Carte Européenned’Assurance Maladie at www.ameli.fr or phone 3636. UK state pensioners should get theirs from the UK. If you have to pay, keep receipts and seek a French reimbursement on return.