NHS patients being asked for credit card details prior to receiving treatment?

Published

Independent Scotland - the debate continues.

Has anyone living/working in England heard of, or experienced, NHS patients being asked for credit card details prior to receiving treatment? Any thoughts on this and why it might happen?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

And this has what to do with Scotland?

Anyway many if not all UK citizens or residents that pay towards the NHS via taxes or NI contributions are fed up with people coming to the UK and expecting free treatment that they would have to pay for in their own country. The NHS has been strict in recovering those costs but now they have no choice because a lot of NHS trusts are in financial difficulties

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The reason I ask is that there are claims being made that this is happening to UK citizens, not foreign nationals, by certain factions within the referendum debate. This has a great deal to do with those of us living and working in Scotland as we try to sort the truth from the lies being bandied about by both 'Yes' and 'No' camps.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved to Nursing in the United Kingdom forum as issue specific to this area.

Changed title to reflect thread content.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Until the referendum has gone through I doubt UK citizens regardless on where they live within England Ireland Scotland and Wales will will be asked for credit card . However if they live outside the UK they may be asked credit card details as they no onger pay into the NHS

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

Not heard of this at all, can't see how it would be appropriate as NHS is free at point of care to UK nationals

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.
The reason I ask is that there are claims being made that this is happening to UK citizens, not foreign nationals, by certain factions within the referendum debate.

Where are these claims being made, please supply reference.

I live and work in Scotland. Never heard of this and don't where it comes from. Probably some kind of scaremongering.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

We do it in Australia, in a fashion. If the pt is not entitled to a reciprocal agreement or have the health insurance that they should as part of their visa requirements we ask for payment if it a non life threatening issue patient billing also follows up with the department of immigration and the tax office any outstanding money is withheld from any tax returns due.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion