HC Deb 30 June 1969 vol 786 cc7-8W
57. Mr. Stainton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what details or estimates he has of the monetary value in a recent 12 months' period of National Health Service facilities extended free to non-United Kingdom citizens; and what is his estimate of the corresponding value of facilities similarly utilised by British subjects taken ill abroad.

Mr. Snow

The number of overseas visitors receiving free treatment under the National Health Service is not

ARRANGEMENTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES FOR PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES FOR BRITISH SUBJECTS

Notes:

1. Beneficiaries are required to satisfy the conditions imposed by the legislation of the country concerned.

2. Details of the services available are subject to alteration from time to time; the summarised is the latest available.

Country Persons covered Services available
Australia … All persons who are entitled to receive Australian old age, widows' or invalidity pensions and their dependants. Treatment by a general medical practitioner and the supply of drugs are free. Treatment in hospital is not free but patients receive a sum of money for each day in hospital.
Belgium … Provided illness did not begin until after entry into Belgium, the following are covered. The service is comprehensive, and is immediately available to those who take up insured employment in Belgium within 30 days of leaving insured employment in the United Kingdom. Others qualify after a waiting period.
1. Persons who are in Belgium for the purpose of employment and are insured as employed persons either under the United Kingdom or the Belgian scheme.
2. Persons who ordinarily live in Belgium and who are entitled to British old age pension or long term sickness benefit, i.e. for sickness of more than 312 days duration. The beneficiary pays expenses, and claims refund in accordance with a scale.
3. Dependants of 1 and 2 above, if they ordinarily live in Belgium. British insurance periods (employed persons') can count towards satisfaction of the Belgian conditions.
Bulgaria … British subjects or persons under the protection of the United Kingdom permanently resident in the United Kingdom. Tourists are included. The service is comprehensive and for the most part free. A small charge is made for each medicine prescribed.
Denmark … Persons who fall ill suddenly, meet with an accident or for any other reason are in urgent need of medical benefit while they are temporarily in Denmark. Tourists are included. United Kingdom nationals resident in Denmark may join a Danish sickness fund. Hospital treatment is free for all, and persons earning less than about £725 per annum may have general medical treatment and maternity care free as well. Those who earn more than this have to pay part of the cost of medical treatment. Certain drugs are avialable to all at less than cost price.

thought to be large enough to justify the work involved in identifying the patients and in ascertaining the details of their treatment and its cost. Information is not available of the value of treatment obtained by British subjects abroad.