NHS owed £1 million by foreigners

Published on 25/08/2012 01:06

Foreigners should be forced to pay up front or make a deposit for NHS care before receiving elective treatment, according to the Conservative party.

The suggestion was made after it emerged that the health service is chasing payment of almost £1 million from around the world, including from a 
Canadian who received £3,000 cardiology care in Fife and an Italian who ran up nearly £1,000 in gynaecology bills in Edinburgh.

Tory health spokesman Jackson Carlaw said: “Of course if someone is visiting Scotland and requires emergency medical attention we can’t stop them at the door to demand cash, but it should not be beyond the wit of our health service to ascertain one’s ability to pay before 
receiving elective treatment. That could include pre-payment, a deposit system or a credit card authorisation.”

Details obtained by the 
Tories show about £972,000 outstanding among 11 of 14 regional boards. One authority did not respond, while two are owed nothing.

An American had five separate stays and gave birth at the cost of £4,500 in Lanarkshire, the figures show. A Brazilian owes NHS Orkney more than £3,000 for renal care.