Free medical treatment abolished for UK visitors to the Channel Islands
Medical insurance now essential for visitors to the Channel Islands following the termination of bilateral healthcare agreement
UK residents visiting the Channel Islands should have adequate medical insurance from 1 April 2009 according to the Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) following the termination of a bilateral healthcare agreement between the UK and the Channel Islands.
The agreement used to provide UK visitors with free access to immediately necessary primary medical care whilst in the Channel Islands.
The Department of Health gave notice on the bilateral healthcare agreement between the UK and the Channel Islands terminating it on 31 March 2009. The Channel Islands are not part of the European Economic Area (EEA) and are not covered by EU Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72, which includes the European Health Insurance Card.
Mike Izzard, Chairman of AMII said, "Anyone travelling to the Channel Islands (Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark) should really check their insurances carefully as they will now be required to pay for their medical treatment should they become ill or injured there.
"Suitable travel insurance, where medical cover is included, will now need to be put in place for UK residents visiting the Channel Islands. If you already have private medical insurance you should check it carefully, as not all UK medical insurers include cover for Channel Islands Hospitals."
Visitors from the Channel Islands to the UK will also now be liable for charges for medical treatment when visiting the UK. "Some UK health insurers offer specific plans for Channel Island residents, that cover the costs of private treatment for them in the Channel Islands and at UK hospitals" adds Izzard.
For independent advice on health insurance options for the Channel Islands, contact an AMII member using the Find-A-Member service on the AMII website.
2009-04-02
- Walters first to pass new AMII/CII exam
AMII is pleased to announce the first AMII member to pass the new AMII/CII IF7 healthcare insurance examination - IPT rise on medical insurance needs withdrawing
AMII calls for the planned Budget increase on Insurance Premium Tax to be withdrawn - AMII Appoints New Chairman
New Chairman and Executive Committee Members announced at AMII's Annual General Meeting - New Professional Exam for Health Insurance Specialists
AMII & CII launch new course and exam for advisers in the health insurance sector - AMII Code of Ethics and Conduct
AMII encourages the highest professional and ethical standards
The Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries (AMII) is available and always willing to contribute on medical insurance & healthcare issues.
When you require input from AMII please contact:
Martin Wood, Concise PR
Direct tel: 01252 656435,
Mobile: 07946 527240
or
Stephanie Spicer, Concise PR
Direct tel: 01234 772078,
Mobile: 07879 811102
Alternatively:
Chairman
Andrew Tripp
Tel: 0845 862 7000
Mobile: 07770 387524
or
General Secretary
Michael Payne
Tel: 01206 731181
Mobile: 07971 231869