Non-EU nationals coming to England for more than six months could be charged GBP200 a year to access National Health Service (NHS) treatment, UK sources say.
Changes may be made to how hospitals reclaim costs from European Union patients and free access to GPs stopped for those staying less than six months.
Objecting to the plan, some doctors say surgeries could be turned into border posts and there also are concerns about public health risks.
The government believes some people come to the UK to take advantage of the system and plans to carry out an audit to determine the extent of the problem.
UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is to unveil a consultation on its plans, but has already suggested an additional GBP200 charge on six-month visas, as well as charging tourists for GP access and moves to recover more healthcare costs from other countries.
The Department of Health said the cost of treating foreigners is at least £20 million a year for the NHS.
Non-EU nationals coming to England for more than six months could be charged GBP200 a year to access National Health Service (NHS) treatment, UK sources say.
Changes may be made to how hospitals reclaim costs from European Union patients and free access to GPs stopped for those staying less than six months.
Objecting to the plan, some doctors say surgeries could be turned into border posts and there also are concerns about public health risks.
The government believes some people come to the UK to take advantage of the system and plans to carry out an audit to determine the extent of the problem.
UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is to unveil a consultation on its plans, but has already suggested an additional GBP200 charge on six-month visas, as well as charging tourists for GP access and moves to recover more healthcare costs from other countries.
The Department of Health said the cost of treating foreigners is at least £20 million a year for the NHS.
