Islanders may have to insure against falling ill in UK

By Andy Sibcy

ISLANDERS who fall ill or have accidents in the UK could soon be left with huge medical bills if they do not have travel insurance.

The necessity to take out comprehensive insurance is likely to be a consequence if the UK pulls out of the reciprocal health agreement. It was announced last month that the Department of Health had notified the Island that it wished to pull the plug on the current deal.

At the moment, Island-ers travelling to the UK, and UK residents who are visiting Jersey, are entitled to emergency healthcare that is free at the point of delivery. Health Minister Ben Shenton said that the matter was still under negotiation, and insisted that he did not think that any change in the current agreement was imminent.

However, it is acknowledged by senior Health figures that the UK is determined to negotiate a new deal with Jersey and other offshore jurisdictions including Guern-sey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar. The chief executives of the four jurisdictions are due to meet today in the Isle of Man, and it is understood that reciprocal health arrangements with the UK will be high on the agenda.

Article posted on 9th October, 2008 - 2.59pm

One Article Comment

Steve Power

Posted October 9, 2008 at 5:27 pm

Is the answer not simple - Jersey also charges all people from the UK visiting.
Perhaps one should go further and suggest that anyone not Jersey born should pay for health care?

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