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Brexit advice for NHS service charges

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April 25th 2019

Tagged: Brexit

By Ailsa Colquhoun

NHS England has published guidance for providers charging for NHS services in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

If the UK leaves the EU with no deal, visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland who visit the UK will not be covered for healthcare in the same way they are now.

There will be no change to rules relating to visitors or migrants from outside the EU. Services that are not currently chargeable will remain exempt from charges. This includes accident and emergency services and GP services.

EEA and Swiss citizens living lawfully in the UK on or before exit day will still be eligible for free NHS care after the UK leaves the EU.

Their families will also be eligible for free NHS care, even if they arrive after the UK leaves the EU.

To be eligible for free NHS care, citizens who move to the UK after exit day must:

  • meet the ordinarily resident test
  • hold European Temporary Leave to Remain from the Home Office once freedom of movement ends

Irish citizens will only need to meet the ordinarily resident test to be eligible for free NHS care.

Check the NHS Visitor and Migrant Cost Recovery page regularly to see the latest guidance. Or set up an email alert subscription to receive all the latest updates from the Department of Health and Social Care.

NHS Improvement will continue to support NHS providers through their overseas visitors cost improvement programme.