Every NHS trust will have to charge foreign patients “upfront” unless they can prove they are eligible for non-urgent care, Jeremy Hunt has announced.

The Health Secretary said the law would be changed from April to ensure that overseas patients made a “fair contribution” to healthcare they received.

The move means anyone flying to the UK for non-urgent treatment such as a hip operation or cataract removal could now be turned away unless they agree to pay the NHS bill.

A handful of hospitals have introduced upfront charges for overseas patients already, with requirements to provide a passport and utility bill, to help officials establish entitlement.

But the vast majority currently attempt to chase debts after patients have left the hospital - often fruitlessly.

Last week a damning report by the Public Accounts Committee warned that the Department of Health was failing to recover hundreds of millions of pounds, amid “chaotic” cost recovery systems.

Mr Hunt said: "We have no problem with overseas visitors using our NHS - as long as they make a fair contribution, just as the British taxpayer does.

"So today we are announcing plans to change the law which means those who aren't eligible for free care will be asked to pay upfront for non-urgent treatment.