Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of exempting doctors from the immigration health surcharge; and if he will make a statement.

The immigration health surcharge applies to non-European Economic Area nationals subject to immigration control coming to live, work and study in the United Kingdom and is payable as part of their visa application. The surcharge provides comprehensive access to NHS services regardless of the amount of care needed during a person’s time in the UK, and includes treatment for pre-existing conditions. This represents excellent value when compared to the alternatives and ensures that individuals do not need to worry about insurance or pay for unexpected treatment whilst they are here. The surcharge also reduces the administrative burden on the NHS frontline associated with identifying chargeable patients and recovering charges.

Whilst the Government fully recognises the contribution that international professionals make to the UK and to our health service, it is only right that all those who come to the UK to live, work and study should contribute to the running of the NHS.