Travel abroad for treatment
Date published: 25 January 2011
EURO-MP Chris Davies has spoken out in support of new European laws that will allow Oldham patients to travel to other countries for operations.
New rules, due to take effect in 2013, will enable people to receive medical treatment in other EU countries if the NHS is unable to provide medical treatment within a reasonable time frame.
The Liberal Democrat said: “This new system will protect our NHS but provide options for people who need treatment.
“NHS hospitals will get the full costs of treating other EU nationals paid and Oldham people will have the option of travelling if that is what it takes to get treatment.”
The ruling, approved by the European Parliament, will build on the current system which allows Brits holding a European Health Insurance Card to receive emergency services within the union.
It will now expand the rules to elective treatment, which will have to be authorised by NHS doctors and can only be procedures that would be covered by the home health authority.
Travel and hotel costs would not be reimbursed.
