Access to healthcare for refused asylum seekers

Since 2004, refused asylum seekers including pregnant women, children, and terminally ill patients have not been allowed to receive secondary healthcare on the NHS unless they pay for it themselves. The Department of Health Review of access to the NHS by foreign nationals consultation ran until 30 June 2010. Among other measures the review proposes re-instating the exemption to NHS charges for secondary healthcare for refused asylum seekers who are in receipt of financial support from the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

While the Refugee Council welcomes this proposal, we are concerned that it would require NHS staff with no knowledge of immigration procedures to be able to identify the difference between: refused asylum seekers receiving UKBA support; those who are eligible for such support but are still waiting for it to be provided; those whose support has been cut off and who may or may not be entitled to it again; and those who are not entitled. This is simply not practical, will lead to confusion among medical staff and administrators, and may lead to people being denied treatment even when they are entitled to it.

The Refugee Council is calling for:

• All refused asylum seekers to be exempt from NHS charges. This would be fairer and more workable than restricting free access to those in receipt of UKBA asylum support.
• Clear guidance to be issued to all NHS institutions and staff clarifying that all asylum seekers, refused asylum seekers and refugees are entitled to free NHS treatment and services.

Read our consultation response (PDF)