What happens when the NHS turns away patients who can’t pay?

Fear of hospital bills has driven some overseas patients to avoid antenatal care, attempt home births, and self-treat serious conditions. A decade after the NHS charging policy was introduced, it remains unclear whether it saves the health service more than it costs. Yemisi Bokinni reports

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
BMJ
Published
2026-11-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2026-101131
Primary Topic
Healthcare Systems and Reforms
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

What happens when the NHS turns away patients who can’t pay?

Yemisi Bokinni
BMJ
Healthcare Systems and Reforms
article

What happens when the NHS turns away patients who can’t pay?

Yemisi Bokinni
article en

Abstract

Fear of hospital bills has driven some overseas patients to avoid antenatal care, attempt home births, and self-treat serious conditions. A decade after the NHS charging policy was introduced, it remains unclear whether it saves the health service more than it costs. Yemisi Bokinni reports

BMJVol. 395
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Healthcare Systems and Reforms
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What happens when the NHS turns away patients who can’t pay? — Yemisi Bokinni · BMJ (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS