Emergency Care Clarification for Visitor in UK
There are a few questions here about emergency care for visitors in the UK accessing the NHS. None addressed my question.
From the NHS website:
Unplanned treatment on a temporary visit to England
Some NHS services or treatments are exempt from charges so that they are free to all (although prescription, dentistry and other charges may still apply). These include:
- accident and emergency services – not including emergency treatment if admitted to hospital
My question is specifically for emergency care for an ailment such as a broken bone which requires surgery that takes place the same day. If the patient insists on being discharged that same day (even against doctors wishes), will the cost of the medical care be classified as free? Does admission specifically refer to staying overnight?
Best Answer
Not necessarily - you can be admitted as an outpatient, day patient, or an inpatient https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/hospitals/going-into-hospital-as-an-inpatient-or-outpatient/ A&E provides medical care for life-threatening emergencies; less serious injuries are treated at ‘urgent care centres’. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/742251/guidance-on-implementing-the-overseas-visitor-charging-regulations-may-2018.pdf#page64
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