The National Health Service (NHS) is implementing a significant rule change that will allow it to recover treatment costs from European Union citizens residing in the UK, marking a major shift in post-Brexit health policy.
Under the new regulations, which came into effect recently, EU citizens are no longer automatically entitled to free NHS care. Instead, the NHS has been granted new powers to identify and invoice those who should be contributing to their healthcare costs.
How the New Cost Recovery System Works
The system operates through the NHS's secondary care services, where patients' eligibility for free treatment is now checked upon registration. Hospitals and NHS trusts will be required to:
- Verify patients' immigration and residency status
- Issue invoices to those who don't qualify for free treatment
- Implement new tracking systems to recover costs
Exemptions and Protected Groups
Certain groups will remain protected from these charges, including:
- Those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Students with European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC)
- Individuals covered by specific reciprocal healthcare agreements
The changes represent one of the most substantial adjustments to NHS funding since the UK's departure from the European Union, potentially generating significant revenue for the health service while altering access rules for thousands of residents.
