NEW RULES APPLY FROM 1ST JANUARY 2021
The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end on 31st December 2020.Ìý After this time, new rules will apply regarding who is eligible to access °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Ö±²¥ care and treatments without charge.Ìý The Trust will update its policies and procedures as soon as national guidance is available.Ìý Until this time you can find information about the new charging regime here:
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The Department of Health and Social Care Overseas Visitor Charging Regulation require all Trusts in England to identify and charge overseas visitors for the treatment they receive.Ìý °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Hospital treatment is not free for everyone. If the UK is not your permanent home and you require treatment in our hospital, you may be identified as an overseas visitor and charged for your treatment.
Who is an Overseas Patient?
An overseas patient is someone who does not ordinarily reside nor permanently live in the UK. If you are visiting the UK, or have been living outside the UK for more than 12 months, you may have to pay for treatment you receive whilst there. This is regardless of whether you are a British citizen, own a property in the UK, have a UK driving licence or if you have previously lived or worked in the UK in the past. Nationals of countries outside theÌýÌýmust also have 'indefinite leave to remain' in the UK in order to be "ordinarily resident" here. For a detailed definition about what ordinarily resident means, see the Department of HealthÌý.
We understand that visiting a hospital in a different country may be very stressful so we aim to make it as easy as possible when it comes to understanding what the overseas team may need to establish eligibility for free °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Ö±²¥ treatment.Ìý
To be given free treatment at our hospital, you must provide documentation on arrival to evidence that:-
In an Emergency:-
We will always provide treatment that a clinician has assessed as immediately necessary or urgent. All maternity treatment is regarded as necessary. This does not make the treatment automatically free and you may still be charged.
What °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Services and Treatments are Free:-
How Can I Obtain More Information?
We are currently updating information on this page but in the meantime please contact the Overseas Team for further information. The team are available Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm except Bank Holidays.
Tel: 01722 336262Ìý Extn. 2420Ìý / Direct Line: 01722 349724 / Email: sft.overseaspatients@nhs.netÌý
Our staff at °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Ö±²¥ District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.