Should health tourists really be allowed to use the NHS for free?
HOW can overworked consultants and medics be expected to assume the role of debt collectors? British people should carry a photo ID card with their NHS number to be presented at admissions, while EU citizens entitled to free treatment should show their passport. I have been treated in hospitals in Europe and further afield, where an admissions office checks your ID and credit card. I found this to be a fair arrangement during my emergency admission. All my medical bills were covered as a member of the EU, but in France an accommodation and laundry fee is paid by the patient, which was covered by my travel insurance. Setting up a similar system here could ensure that anyone entering the UK from outside the EU has sufficient insurance before they are treated. NICOLA GOSTELOW, Leominster, Herefordshire.
PEOPLE who fall ill on holiday, yes; health tourists, no.
JEFF KEnnEDy, Stourbridge, W. Mids.
THE doctors who want free treatment for health tourists should pay the bill from their pocket, not mine.
D. W. g. hannS, Fareham, hants.
I hAVE worked in five countries and visited many more, and each has charged me for medical treatment. I pay National Insurance so my family and I are covered in this country. Now I find if we need surgery we will have to join an ever-growing waiting list so doctors can claim they are doing good in the world.
BiLL SyMOnS, Cardiff.
FINANCING health tourism from the overseas aid budget would prevent the medical profession from carrying out the vetting they find distasteful and help the NHS financially.
W. g. OVErtOn, Chigwell, Essex.
GREAT Ormond Street hospital is owed millions in missed payments from non-NhS cases. When our granddaughter, who is British, was in pain, she was not deemed ill enough for a hospital admission. We went private and paid £1,000 up front to get urgent medical help. She was suffering from a serious stomach infection that has changed her life for ever.
J. BLanCharD, South Benfleet, Essex. JUNIOR doctors want health tourists to have free access to the NHS. Does that mean billions of people will be eligible for the ‘free’ treatment that is paid for by UK taxpayers?
P. LEViSOn, Wellingborough, northants.
ON hOLIDAY in Ireland, I needed medical treatment, but did not have my EhIC card with me. I was charged 100 euros up front. The NhS must do the same.
DaViD SUnDErLanD, Leeds.
EMBASSIES and consulates should cover any costs that remain unpaid by their citizens.
ChriStinE thOMaS, Swansea.