A European cross-border health directive may seem good news for UK patients. But do overseas care packages inadvertently overlook 'hidden' expenses? Jack Briggs argues treatment in the UK through a PMI policy would be better value
Last month, the European Commission announced details of a new health directive that could see the NHS paying for UK patients to be treated abroad. Under the proposal, patients would have to pay medical costs upfront but would be assured of repayment up to the level of cost of the same, or similar, treatment under their own health system. This means that patients will, in theory, be able to bypass NHS queues and alleviate any fears they may have over levels of superbug rates in UK hospitals by shopping around all 27 EU member states for treatment packages and sending the bill to the NHS. ...
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