Patients may have to show passports at British hospitals

Patients may be required to show their passports at British hospitals under new guidelines to tackle health tourism.

A new look passport from the counter of the London Passport Office, Victoria. Image by Katie Collins/PA Wire

New charges were introduced last week for overseas visitors and migrants who use NHS hospital services in England.

The Department of Health (DoH) said these plans will help recoup up to £500 million a year by 2017/18.

All patients will be asked questions about their residence status in the UK whenever accessing a new course of treatment, a spokeswoman said.

If there is uncertainty about their residence status, they may be required to submit documentation, including passports and immigration documents.

But no one will be denied urgent treatment while charges are being determined.

Treatment in A&E departments and at GP surgeries will remain free for all.

Anyone from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) coming to the UK for longer than six months is now required to pay a “health surcharge” as part of their visa application.

The £200-a-year fee is reduced to £150 for students.

(Press Association)