'Remember medical cover for UK breaks'

ISLANDERS will soon have to pay for some health care in the UK.

The reciprocal health agreement between the Channel Islands and the UK will end on Tuesday 31 March.

From 1 April, Channel Islanders will have to pay for any non-emergency medical treatment they require. But while Health and Social Services is advising people taking UK holidays to take out medical insurance, emergency treatment will remain free.

Anyone treated in an accident and emergency department, or receiving similar care in a walk-in centre, will not be charged. Nor will anyone receiving immediately-necessary treatment from a GP.

There will be no charge for family planning services or treatment for certain contagious diseases such as measles or mumps.

Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases will also be free, with the exception of HIV after initial diagnostic testing and counselling. Compulsory psychiatric treatment will also be free.