The Government of United Kingdom has announced plans to double the “health surcharge” paid by long term visitors and students from countries outside the European Union. The current health surcharge, introduced in the year 2015 is 200 Euros per person per year and it will now rise to 400 Euros. The surcharge is paid by all guests from outdoors who are looking for to reside within UK six months or to work, study or join family members.

The Department of Health and Social Care announced on February 5 that the discounted rate of 150 Euros for students will go up to 300 Euros per year. The department further states to enforce the increased amount from later this year in order to raise additional funds for the state-funded National Health Service. It is reported that the state health services have been struggling with funding issues.

The Immigration Minister, Caroline Nokes was quoted in media reports saying, “It is only right that people who come to the UK should contribute to the running of the NHS. The surcharge offers access to health care services that are far more comprehensive and at a much lower cost than other countries.” The department believes that increasing the surcharge will better reflect the actual cost to the National Health Services (NHS), and also protect and sustain the health care system for everyone whose using it. The authorities estimate an extra 220 Million Euros will be raised every year through the new surcharge.

The payment is made at the time of immigration application and is payable until the person is granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK or returns to their own country at the end of their visa period.

However, the surcharge is not related to urgent and emergency care as it is available from the NHS irrespective of the immigration status. Also, migrants with unspecified leave to remain in Britain are exempted from the surcharge. It includes refugees, asylum seekers and those who have been identified as victims of trafficking or modern slavery.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2018 11:45 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).