The British government is considering charging non-EU students £200 a year for access to the NHS as part of radical new plans to cut costs for the health service.
The charge would be added to visa costs for any students staying in the UK for more than 6 months, and is just one of a number of proposals being put forward. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told the BBC that the fee is in line with what other countries charge international students for healthcare, explaining:
"We have been clear that we are a national health service not an international health service and I am determined to wipe out abuse in the system."
The Department of Health claims that currently it costs the NHS £30m a year to treat foreigners in England. However, whilst this may sound like a lot, to put it in context, that is the equivalent of just two hours of NHS's annual spending.
Growing Opposition
Though the possibility of this scheme was only revealed this morning, a number of vocal opponents to any such changes have already emerged.
