UK: Indian students and professionals in UK have to pay more health surcharge from later this year than the previous year. This will have the effect of raising the overall cost of the travel document.
According to the news reported in Hindustan Times, in 2015, when the health surcharge was introduced it was £200 per person per year, and it is expected to rise to £400. For students, it was £150, and this year it is expected to go up to £300 per year.
These surcharges are announced on Monday by the department of health and social care.
With the new surcharges, it is expected that an extra £220 million will be raised every year and it will better reflect the actual cost to the National Health Service (NHS).
One of the promises made by the conservative party in the election manifesto before the 2017 election was to double the surcharge.
“Our NHS is always there when you need it, paid for by British taxpayers. We welcome long-term migrants using the NHS, but it is only right that they make a fair contribution to its long-term sustainability,” said Health minister James O’Shaughnessy.
“It is only right that people who come to the UK should contribute to the running of the NHS. The surcharge offers access to health care services that are far more comprehensive and at a much lower cost than many other countries,” said Caroline Nokes, the immigration minister.