Islanders To Get Free NHS Emergency Care

Thursday, 14 July 2022 11:21

Deputies have unanimously approved a Reciprocal Health Agreement which is expected to come into force early next year.

With a united roll call of "pour" during a recorded vote, deputies have agreed that negotiations are concluded with the British government to begin a Reciprocal Health Agreement.

It will mean that islanders are able to get free NHS emergency care while in the UK and, in return, the same deal will be offered to UK residents when they're in the Bailiwick.

Planned health treatments, like operations, are not covered.

The last agreement ended in 2009 and there was no appetite from the British side to renew it. That changed following Brexit, and Guernsey's External Relations Team has been carrying out negotiations with Whitehall.

Introducing the policy letter to the States, deputy Peter Ferbrache described it as a "good news day." Deputy after deputy echoed that sentiment, with deputy Neil Inder saying it may well entice more tourists to travel to the Bailiwick. Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez reminded the Assembly, and islanders, that it was still wise to get their own travel insurance.

Deputy Heidi Soulsby explained how it will be funded:

"There won't be money changing hands between the UK and Guernsey. This is a very different agreement to the original one where I think there was some abuse of people going off and trying to get planned treatment. It is knock for knock; Guernsey pays for UK people and the UK pays for Guernsey people."

Final negotiations will now take place, with an expectation that they will be complete by the end of the year, and a new agreement in place for 2023.