‘Landmark’ reciprocal health arrangement from tomorrow

It will enable Bailiwick residents to access medically necessary healthcare free of charge while they are visiting the UK, if that treatment cannot wait until the individual returns home.

It also means UK visitors will be able to access emergency healthcare during a visit to any of the Bailiwick islands.

The arrangement will also allow certain treatments to be arranged in the other jurisdiction ahead of travel that will also be free of charge, such as dialysis treatment.

But it will not mean that islanders can go to the UK routinely for free planned medical treatment.

Policy & Resources Committee president Peter Ferbrache signed the deal with the UK government at the end of August.

‘A new reciprocal health arrangement has been a priority for many in Guernsey for some years, both politically and within the community, due to the social and economic links between the Bailiwick and the UK,’ he said.

‘The new arrangement will bring great benefits to residents of both the Bailiwick and the UK, making travel easier in both directions for family, business and leisure purposes.’

Minister of State for Health Maria Caulfield, who signed the agreement on behalf of the UK, described it as a ‘landmark healthcare deal’.

The States had previously unanimously agreed in July to pursue the renegotiation of the deal. Deputy Ferbrache called it ‘a joyous day’ that after nearly 14 years without an agreement in place, the UK had changed its approach after Brexit had prompted it to look at reciprocal arrangements with external jurisdictions.

In 2019, there were 187,456 UK visitors to Guernsey and between them they made 435 visits to the Emergency Department. That treatment incurred total charges of £292,000.

Islanders visiting the UK are still advised to have travel insurance. A number of guidance documents have been published. If they need treatment in the UK, they will have to produce identity documentation.