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@lhasa.one wrote:

Actually, reading the channel 4 fact check link doesn't really show a true picture, it would seem to me, as this government NHS link provides a huge list of charge exemptions along with reciprocal agreements with countries who are not necessarily EU members. 

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/1556/made

Perhaps the government (NHS) could tighten up on getting their money back both from the reciprocal countries and also from those countries where there is no agreement.

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Possibly, but then you'd have to take into account the amount of resources which are to be spent on clawback. The last thing the NHS needs are more funds spent on bean counters and lawyers chasing amounts that don't make that much of a difference in the big scheme of things.

Biggest challenge the NHS faces are from costs associated with treatment of long-term conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, mental health, & cardiovascular disease.

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/03/nhs-overwhelmed-long-term-medical-conditions

Alot of these conditions are preventable, but problems arise when any initiative to drive prevention, or raise taxes on unhealthy products results in cries of "nanny state".