02 March 2009
Most Jersey people who need medical treatment while visiting the UK will have to pay for it from 31 March 2009.
The Health and Social Services department has received confirmation from the Right Honourable Dawn Primarolo MP, the Minister of State for the Department of Health, of the UK’s decision to withdraw from the Reciprocal Health Agreement.
From 1 April 2009, a Jersey resident who has an accident or falls ill while in the UK will still receive free treatment in an Accident and Emergency department (A&E) but will be charged for operations, out-patient appointments, treatment on a hospital ward and any other services needed as a result of the incident, including repatriation to Jersey.
The decision will also affect people visiting the Island from the UK. Visitors will continue to receive free treatment at A&E but will have to pay for all other health services when being treated in Jersey.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Jim Perchard said: “I’m very disappointed by the UK’s decision to end the Reciprocal Health Agreement. We had hoped they would delay the decision so that we would have enough time to communicate these substantial changes to both Islanders and UK visitors.
“The end of this agreement has a potentially far-reaching impact for Islanders. We strongly advise Jersey residents to ensure that they have comprehensive health insurance for future visits to the UK – just as they would when going abroad on holiday.”
These changes will not affect Islanders who are referred for treatment in the UK by the Health and Social Services department. That treatment is already paid for by the department and will continue to be so. Jersey students undertaking higher education courses in the UK will also continue to have free NHS treatment.
People who already have private health insurance are being advised to check their policy details as it may not cover travel to the UK. These changes are only with the UK and do not affect existing agreements with other countries such as France.
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