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Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 5 May 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 May 2020. It was answered by Lord Bethell (Conservative) on Friday, 15 May 2020 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Health Services: Migrants

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that people with irregular migration status in the UK are informed about (1) free access to NHS treatment for COVID-19, (2) treatment for COVID-19, and (3) treatment for underlying medical conditions if hospitalised from COVID-19 related complications.

Answer

Regulations came into force on 29 January 2020 to add Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (now known as COVID-19) to Schedule 1 of the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015. This means there can be no charge made to an overseas visitor for the diagnosis, or, if positive, treatment, of COVID-19. The exemption from charge does not extend to any pre-existing conditions, unless separately exempt under the Regulations.

This message has been disseminated to National Health Service staff, the public and organisations representing vulnerable migrant groups. It has also been published in 40 languages on Public Health England’s Migrant Health Guide.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3915
Session
2019-21
Subjects
Health services Migrants Coronavirus
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk