The United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) has launched its initiative to require all migrants entering the country to have medical insurance.
Members of the political party met in central London at the end of last week (September 19th to 21st) and announced the policy idea, which would attempt to cut the amount of money paid by the NHS to cover immigrants’ medical care.
While people visiting or living in the UK from outside the European Economic Area currently have to pay all of their own bills if they need treatment on the NHS, only a small percentage do this, according to the BBC.
Tim Aker, head of UKIP’s policy unit, said: “Health tourism in the UK is a growing problem costing the UK taxpayer untold amounts per year. This is a simple and effective way of ensuring healthcare is available to all who come to Britain.”
UKIP are gaining traction in poll ratings because of the unpopularity of traditional political parties, including the governing coalition, which has been derided by some activists for poor economic management and an inability to control immigration.