Towards true universal care: Reforming the NHS charging system

Article

The system of charging migrants for healthcare in England has become increasingly stringent in recent years.

Since the introduction of the new rules, there is a growing body of evidence highlighting their adverse impacts. Through interviews with people with direct experience of NHS charging, healthcare workers and policy professionals, we found further evidence of systemic problems with the current charging system.

Other countries in Europe operate fairer systems to provide healthcare for residents without immigration status. Drawing on these examples from other countries, we tested out alternatives to the current system with our expert interviewees. Based on our interviews, we drew up a shortlist of five alternatives to the current charging system.

Related items

  1. Train and cars on a motorway with London skyline in background

    Planes, trains and automobiles: How green transport can drive manufacturing growth in the UK

    Transport is essential to our lives. Unfortunately, it is currently also the largest source of UK domestic carbon emissions. 

  2. Regional economies: The role of industrial strategy as a pathway to greener growth

    Regions like the North should have a key role to play in the development of a green industrial strategy.
  3. A mother and child walking in a field with hills in the distance

    Achieving the 2030 child poverty target: The distance left to travel

    On 27 March, the Scottish government will announce whether Scotland’s 2023 child poverty target – no more than 18 per cent of children in poverty – was achieved.