Recently there has been a lot of coverage about the ending of the Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK.
The problem is
- Jersey & Guernsey residents travelling to the UK will be charged for medical treatment that they receive if they are taken ill or injured during their visit (which would include whilst in the UK in transit to another destination).
- The only costs that are still provided free to Jersey residents are Accident and Emergency costs. It is wrong to say that all accident and emergency costs are covered – they are not – charges will still apply for other emergency treatment such as operations provided elsewhere in a hospital.
Most travel insurance policies including those provided by banks or with credits cards do NOT cover UK medical expenses.
This is because healthcare is provided free in the UK so insurers have simply not been required to provide cover. With the changes to the reciprocal health agreements this is no longer the case for Chanel Island residents and we are concerned that people who already have travel insurance will assume that this cover is provided and will be caught out.
The Rossborough Insurance Travel Policy issued by Fortis DOES COVER* medical expenses in the UK & repatriation costs up to £10,000,000
Annual travel policies are available from £37.95 for a single person or £75.20 for a family which provides cover for the UK and Europe. It is possible to extend cover to insure trips on a world wide basis.
If you have any questions or would like a quotation for annual travel insurance please contact us.
*terms & conditions apply. Cover is provided for medical expenses up to £5,000,000 for trips longer than 6 months in duration. The maximum age limit is 79.