Access to England NHS healthcare
Super helpful member
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care
"Within England, free NHS hospital treatment is provided on the basis
of someone being ‘ordinarily resident’. It is not dependent upon
nationality, payment of UK taxes, National Insurance contributions,
being registered with a GP, having an NHS number or owning property in
the UK.
Treatment in A&E departments and at GP surgeries remains free for all, including visitors to the UK.
"This guidance sets out how the NHS charges for overseas visitors’
healthcare. The rules are set out in the National Health Service
(Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015 (as amended). The regulations apply only in England. Accessing healthcare in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could be different from England.
"The principle remains that the NHS is, and will remain, free at the point of delivery for those who are ordinarily resident. There are exemptions in place to protect the most vulnerable in society and provide key services essential to public health. This ensures that urgent or immediately necessary treatment will always be provided, regardless of an individual’s ability or willingness to pay for that treatment. Treatment in A&E departments and at GP surgeries remains free for all.
People living in the EU [Spain] whose healthcare costs are funded by the UK
"People living in the EU whose healthcare costs [in Spain] are funded by the UK
under the current EU arrangements (such as those with a UK-issued S1
that has been registered in a member state) will be entitled to
free NHS hospital treatment in England, should they return temporarily
to the UK."
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So the healthcare scare stories that abound do not bear examination. If you are a UK state pensioner with an S1 you are fully covered on any return visit to the UK (but do carry your S1 with you). If you are not then you still qualify for free treatment in A&E departments and at GP surgeries. Some have claimed that 'you have to be resident there' and 'resident for three months or six months', etc. Not so. If you are a visitor then urgent or immediately necessary treatment will always be provided free of charge.
Chris