What is an overseas patient?
An overseas patient is someone who is not ordinarily
resident in the United Kingdom (UK) and does not permanently live
in the UK. If you are visiting the UK, or have been living outside
the UK for more than three months, you may have to pay for NHS
hospital treatment whilst you are here. This is regardless of
whether you are a British citizen or have lived or worked here in
the past.
If you are on holiday or visiting the UK and the need for your
treatment is urgent and cannot wait until you return home, your
hospital care will be the same as for any NHS patient. The only
difference is that some overseas visitors may be have to pay
for their NHS hospital treatment, whilst for others there are
agreements between International Governments to cover the cost.
What is the Trust policy on overseas patients?
The Department of Health Regulations requires all NHS Hospital
Trusts in England as a legal obligation to identify and charge
overseas patients for NHS hospital treatment they receive.
Exemptions to Trust policy
If you can show that you have lived in the UK legally for the
last 12 months or more, and have a right to do so, then you will be
entitled to free NHS hospital treatment.
Examples of acceptable proof of residence are a housing
contract, utility bills and bank statements.
Examples of acceptable proof of right of residence are a birth
certificate, valid passport and entry clearance documents such
as valid visa, valid to enter/remain stamp.
What will happen when I arrive at hospital?
Upon arrival at hospital you will be asked to confirm how long
you have lived in the UK.
If you have not, or cannot prove you have, lived in the UK for
the last 12 months you will be interviewed by a member of the
Overseas Visitor Team and any of your questions can be answered.
You will be asked to sign the interview form which
confirms your details, home address, and a copy of the Trust's
overseas patient terms and conditions. This information is held by
UH Bristol and the Department of Health to ensure the National
Health Service resources are utilised appropriately and maintain
agreements with International Governments to cover the cost of
treatment.
You may be required to pay for your treatment and the Overseas
Visitor Team will be able to advise you on this. If you are liable
to pay then the cost of your treatment will be explained and you
will be asked to pay before you receive your treatment. If the
complete cost of the treatment is not known at this point you will
be given a guide price and you will be entitled for a refund if
this is more than the actual cost of your treatment.
Terms and conditions apply.
What will I have to do?
If you believe you are liable to pay please ensure you bring
payment with you. The Trust accepts the following forms of
payment:
When you pay you will be provided with a receipt for your
records.
If you are unable to pay the full amount prior to receiving your
treatment, it will not affect the level of urgent care you will
receive.
Where can I obtain further information?
If you have any questions please contact the Non NHS
Patient Team who will be able to help at overseas@uhbristol.nhs.uk.
You can also find further information at the Department of Health overseas
visitors pages
