FOI ref: FOI-2023-1541
You asked
I would like to request some annual data, ideally before and after Brexit, on:
1. The number of UK residents travelling to EU for medical treatment.
2. The number of UK residents who got treatment in the EU and were later reimbursed by the NHS, so that treatment was covered by the NHS.
3. The number of UK residents who asked for prior-authorisation from the NHS for treatment in the EU and were granted or denied such authorisation.
We said
Thank you for your request.
Unfortunately, we do not hold information on the number of UK residents who received treatment in the EU and were later reimbursed by the NHS, or the number of UK residents who asked for prior authorisation from the NHS for treatment in the EU and were granted or denied such authorisation.
We have previously published the following analysis: Estimates of visits overseas for medical treatment made by UK residents from 2017 to 2019 using the International Passenger Survey.
We may be able to create more up-to-date estimates of visits overseas for medical treatment made by UK residents via our bespoke services route, subject to sample sizes and data quality. If you would be interested in such estimates, please contact pop.info@ons.gov.uk. Please note that there would be a charge for using this service, a quote for which can be provided upon request.
NHS England may be able to assist further with your request. They can be contacted at enquiries@england.nhs.uk.