Extending charging overseas visitors and migrants using the NHS in England

Inclusion London responded to the consultation on the extension of charging overseas visitors and migrants using the NHS in England.

Inclusion London strongly disagrees with the extension of charging overseas visitors and migrants using the NHS in England. Disabled people are more likely to have multiple impairments or complex health conditions than non-disabled people and can therefore need more frequent access to medical treatment, so are likely to be disproportionally impacted by the proposed changes. We are concerned that the proposed changes may create an additional barrier, which delays or prevents medical treatment leading to an irreversible deterioration of health and wellbeing.  Some Disabled people will need medical treatment from the time they enter the country and it is vital that treatment is not delayed in any way. These concerns are particularly pertinent to Disabled members of BME communities and Disabled immigrants, who may find it difficult to prove they are entitled to free health care particularly at the time they need treatment.

Our full response is available to download:

Inclusion London’s response to the consultation on the extension of charging overseas visitors and migrants using the NHS in England