Overseas Patients

The Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust is legally obliged to assess ALL patients’ eligibility to free National Health Services (N.H.S).

What will happen when I arrive at hospital?

Upon arrival at hospital you will be asked to confirm how long you have lived in the UK.

If you have not lived in the UK for the last 12 months, you will be asked to complete the N.H.S. Eligibility Form

You will be asked to provide two forms of evidence to confirm your entitlement to free N.H.S.  One is proof of identity and the second is to confirm your basis of stay in the U.K.

1.Proof of Identity

• Passport/Passport with valid entrance visa
• EU/EEA Identity (I.D.) photo card
• Biometric Residence Permit
• Asylum Registration Card

2.Proof of your basis of stay

• Armed forces/NATO/Government I.D. card
• Asylum Registration Card/Section 95 support
• Bank Statement (UK)/Council Tax, Tenancy/Mortgage Agreement/Utility Bill
• European Health Insurance Card
• Proof of Immigration Surcharge
• Wage slip/Contract of Employment

What should I do next ?

If you do not have your evidence whilst at hospital you can send your evidence to the postal address above or email ppo.lth@nhs.net.  We do accept pictures of evidence sent from a smartphone to our email address. 

The request for this evidence is managed by the experienced Overseas Visitors Team. At times patients are unable to provide evidence for a number of reasons. There are many different ways the team can confirm entitlement including asking the patient to sign a disclaimer form. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust wish to reassure patient they have a compassionate approach in accordance with the Leeds Way Values. The hospital will work together with patients to ensure the process is as convenient as possible.

How do I qualify for free N.H.S  ?

If you can demonstrate that you live in the United Kingdom (U.K.) you are unlikely to incur charges BUT will be required to provide evidence of your entitlement. We ask you to confirm your legal right to be in the U.K and your purpose of stay. Examples are described above. If you are exempt from charges under surcharge or transitional arrangements you will not be able to receive N.H.S. I.V.F. or assisted conception treatment free of charge.

How will I know I need to pay ?

If you do not legally reside in the U.K for a legal, voluntary and settled purpose you may be required to pay for your treatment before you leave hospital. For Immediately necessary treatment, speed and expedience are critical and estimated charges may only be provided after the service has taken place. Below is guide to estimated prices for emergency admissions. Actual and Final Charges will be confirmed on your invoice.  

Emergency Admissions Only*:

*Critical Care Units will be charged additionally at an estimated daily rate of up to £3,282 per nights. Admissions over 5 nights will also incur an estimated daily rate of £531.00. Please note these estimated prices do not include any procedures, interventions or diagnostic tests which will be subject to additional charges.

What if I am unable to pay ?

Immediately necessary treatment (this includes ALL maternity services) will not be withheld regardless of ability to pay. Only non - urgent treatment can be withheld until full payment is received. If you do not have the funds to cover your treatment please contact as soon as possible. This is to ensure that our finance department are aware of current financial status and will work with you to a manageable outcome. If you do not advise us of your financial position reasonable measures will be taken. Any future immigration applications you make to enter or remain in the UK may be denied until debts over £500.00 are settled.  

What are the limitation in accessing treatment ?

Limitations to access secondary healthcare services can be applied to patients who are visitors to the United Kingdom whose treatment has been clinically defined as non- urgent and have not paid the full balance in advance. The urgency of treatment is a matter of clinical judgement to assess if treatment is deemed urgent or immediately necessary.

The definition of ‘what is non-urgent’ is a fluid process and may be reassessed at any time.

Failure to provide immediately necessary treatment may be unlawful under the Human Rights Act 1998.

Please note: all maternity services are immediately necessary and therefore will never be withheld regardless of ability to pay.

Where can I get further information?

The Overseas Team are available between Monday and Friday 08.30 to 4.30 pm. If you wish to discuss any issues you have in person you can book an appointment to meet with one of the team. Please call (0113) 2066912 to arrange.

For the official government guidance please see Overseas NHS visitors: implementing the charging regulations

The team’s role is to confirm your entitlement to free N.H.S. and to make the process as smooth as possible without causing you any inconvenience.