Studying in United Kingdom just got more expensive as students and migrant workers will now have to pay up for the health facilities they use in UK during their stay. The UK Immigration department has decided to levy a “health surcharge” from April 6 on nationals from outside European Economic Area (EEA), which include Indians, going to live in the UK for more than six months.
They all have to pay a ‘health surcharge’ ranging from £150 (about Rs14,000) per year for students to £200 (Rs18,500) per year in order to gain access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Currently non-EEA nationals coming to work, study or join family members receive free medical treatment under the UK’s NHS in the same way as a permanent resident.
UK Government feels the surcharge this will bring parity between British nationals who pay their taxes for the NHS and the temporary migrants who use them almost free. The changes will not impact visitors coming to UK on a standard visit visa, regardless of its length, and visitors will continue to have to pay for any treatment they receive from the NHS at the point of receiving it. Those coming to the UK on an intra-company transfer (ICT Tier 2 visa) will be exempt from the charges but must still complete the process through the surcharge website.
“The health surcharge will play a vital role in ensuring Britain’s most cherished public service is provided on a basis that is fair to all who use it. For generations, the British public have paid their taxes to help make the NHS what it is today — the surcharge will mean temporary migrants will also pay their way. And by keeping the surcharge at a competitive level, we are also recognising the contribution temporary migrants make to the wider economy,” said Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire in london.
The UK Government claimed the surcharge was lower than the cost of medical insurance required by some other nations like Australia and USA. Claiming international students cost the NHS around £430 million per year and over £700 per head, it said the surcharge represents only 1% of the total cost of studying in the UK for a three year undergraduate course.