Jeremy Hunt again - charging non-nationals a practical idea or a headline grabber?

It's all part of the scapegoating strategy. The authors of the report have been very clear about the limitations of their data but as we all know who on earth would let the facts get in the way of a good story? Of course there's an issue ( not clear how big it is) but as Jess said, how can it be fixed in a cost effective and civilised way?

I needed to go to Hospital in China and Egypt. Both times they asked to see my health insurance. I lived in Bulgaria for 5 years. I could either buy health insurance or pay for my treatment as and when I needed it.

They seem to manage a system in Spain well enough - why could it not work in UK? Even if you need just basic treatment which should be covered by the EHIC card you are asked for your travel/health insurance.

I'm sure they could manage but it would be a huge culture change for NHS and also a huge IT project. Easy if native patients pay or give insurance details already.
The NHS is one of the biggest employers in the world (the biggest in Europe I think)

They are not managing well in Spain at all - they have been charging UK nationals on holiday when they shouldn't- that's an easy way to run the system- charge when you shouldnt

If I go on holiday or visit another country I have to have insurance unless in the EU. Why that does not apply here is a mystery. Just because the UK have never charged before does not make it right! It just proves we have been crap at putting the tax payer and our own domiciles first.

If you know you can get your health for free, who wouldn't try it.

Get to grips with the idea the NHS 'is not FREE'. It is paid for by our taxes.