FOI-02538

Thank you for your request for information about the following: 

##Request 

‘I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the following information from NHS BSA: 

1a) How many successful claims were lodged against overseas visitors for using NHS services for each calendar year: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024? 

1b) How much money (£GBP) was successfully charged in total to overseas visitors for using NHS services for each calendar year: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024? 

1c) NOTE: Please may you provide the top 10 nationalities of those charged for each calendar year listed above; and how much was paid to each of the top 10 nationalities?’ 

On 29 January 2025 you clarified your request as follows 

‘Yes, may I please request how much was claimed from the EU, EFTA and Switzerland for visitors from those countries?  

Please may you break this down per calendar year 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024?  

And please may you provide the top 10 countries within the EU, EFTA and Switzerland of those charged; and how much was paid to each of the top 10 country?’ 

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received your request on 22 January 2025, with clarification received on 29 January 2025.  

We have handled your request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. 

##Our response 

I can confirm that the NHSBSA holds the information you have requested and a copy of the information is attached. 

Please read the below notes to ensure correct understanding of the data. 

These caveats apply to all questions in this FOI unless specified.  

The number of validated treatments and their value are included in the year that they were claimed by NHSBSA.   

Following the clarification for question 1b we have used the same clarification for “visitors” for question 1a.  For question 1c, the information provided is the top 10 based on monetary value paid. 

Where nationality information has been requested, we have provided information on which  EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country or Switzerland issued their entitlement.   

##Data Queries 

If you have any queries regarding the data provided, or if you plan on publishing, the data please contact foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk ensuring you quote the above reference. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented. 

##Reusing the data and copyright 

If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented. 

The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at: 

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/  

Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2025” Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence. 

Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information. 

Tags: EFTA, EU, Overseas Health Services, Overseas visitors, Switzerland
Organization: Freedom of Information Disclosure Log