UK order could see islanders receive free primary care there

ISLANDERS could receive some free primary health care in the UK if they are visiting for more than 24 hours, following a new order given to GPs.

However, Health and Social Services has warned that Guernsey people might still be charged for some services.

The UK Department of Health added its clarification, saying the fact that UK GPs could register Guernsey residents did not automatically entitle islanders to free treatment.

The reciprocal health agreement between the UK and the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands ended in March 2009, after the UK government decided that paying health-related charges to the islands benefited only a small number of UK residents and did not represent value for money for the UK taxpayer.

However, under a new order that passed through the UK government, all foreigners can register with GPs for free.

An HSSD spokesman advised that the order was open to interpretation.