UK to double health surcharge for foreign visitors, students
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The UK government on Monday announced plans to double a so-called "health surcharge" paid by long-term visitors and students from countries outside the European Union (EU) including India to 400 pounds per year.
The surcharge, introduced in April 2015, will rise from 200 pounds to 400 pounds per year, with the discounted rate for students increased from 150 pounds to 300 pounds.
The surcharge is paid by all visitors from outside the EU seeking to live in the UK for six months or more to work, study or join family members.
The UK's Department of Health and Social Care plans to make the increase effective from later this year in order to raise additional funds for the state-funded National Health Service (NHS), which has been struggling with funding issues.
"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 UK immigration minister Caroline Nokes.
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