14 May 2004

Overseas visitors set to pay for GP services

GPs will be given new powers to charge overseas visitors for their services under new proposals announced today by Health Minister John Hutton.

In a consultation paper published today, the Department of Health sets out proposals to establish new criteria for determining who will be eligible to receive free NHS primary care services. The proposals include an option that would allow GPs to charge overseas visitors as private patients.

Health Minister John Hutton said: "The proposals we have set out in this consultation will strengthen the current system so that general practice staff and overseas visitors are in no doubt who is eligible for free access to a GP and who is isn't. With five million people registering with a GP last year, GPs, practice staff and the local NHS need to have this clarity. They also need effective powers to charge for their services when necessary. These changes are necessary if we are to protect NHS resources from possible abuse."

At the moment GPs have the discretion whether or not to register overseas visitors as NHS patients. Today's consultation seeks to bring access to primary care services - like GP practices - more in line with the regulations that govern access to NHS hospitals.

On 1 April 2004 these hospital regulations were amended to deny free access to certain groups of overseas visitors including those with no legal right to be here and business travellers with no substantial connection to the UK.

The consultation will run until 13 August 2004.

(gmcg)