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Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements

Volume 504: debated on Wednesday 27 January 2010

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he had with the Isle of Man government before he made his decision to terminate the reciprocal health agreement with the Isle of Man; whether he proposed any alternative financial terms for a continuing health agreement; what the reasons were for his decision; and if he will make a statement. (312835)

Ministers took the decision to end the current bilateral health care agreement with the Isle of Man on the basis that it did not represent value for money for the UK taxpayer and the wide availability of travel insurance. Discussions prior to the decision being made were at official level and the UK Government proposed no alternative financial mechanism.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date the reciprocal agreement for medical cover with (a) the Channel Islands and (b) the Isle of Man was terminated; and if he will make a statement. (313527)

The Government ended its agreement with the Channel Islands on 31 March 2009, and is ending its agreement with the Isle of Man on 1 April 2010, as they do not represent value for money for the United Kingdom taxpayer and travel insurance is widely available. Tourists will continue to receive free accident and emergency treatment. However, they will now be expected to have insurance to cover the cost of other treatment.