NHS to increase health charge for temporary migrants

The government has announced plans to double the immigration health surcharge paid by temporary migrants to the UK.

Under new plans from the Department of Health and Social Care, the basic surcharge will rise from GBP 200 to GBP 400 per year, while the discounted rate for students and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme will increase from GBP 150 to GBP 300.

This charge is paid by people from outside the European Economic Area who are seeking to live in the UK for six months or more. Currently, it is estimated that the NHS spends an average of GBP 470 per person per year on treating surcharge payers. 

Projections suggest that increasing charges to their new level could provide around GBP 220 million extra for the NHS every year, which can be reinvested into frontline services.

Health minister James O'Shaughnessy said: "Our NHS is always there when you need it, paid for by British taxpayers. We welcome long-term migrants using the NHS, but it is only right that they make a fair contribution to its long-term sustainability."

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