The President of the Policy & Resources Committee (P&R), Deputy Peter Ferbrache, has met with the UK’s Minister of State for Health, Maria Caulfied MP, in London to sign the new Reciprocal Health Arrangement (RHA) with the UK Government on behalf of the whole of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
The new RHA will come into force from 1st January 2023. At that time, it will enable residents from each jurisdiction to access medically necessary healthcare free of charge whilst they are visiting the other jurisdiction, if that treatment cannot wait until the individual returns to their home jurisdiction.
The new RHA will be available Bailiwick-wide so that all Bailiwick residents can benefit from the RHA when visiting the UK. It will also enable UK visitors to access healthcare required during a trip to the Bailiwick, whichever island they visit.
Guidance notes on the new RHA are being developed in collaboration with UK Government’s Department for Health and Social Care to inform residents, visitors and healthcare providers on the detail of the new arrangements. There will be further announcements when these guidance notes are published later in 2022, prior to the new RHA coming into force on 1st January 2023.
Deputy Peter Ferbrache, President of the Policy & Resources Committee: “I am very glad to have been able to meet with the UK’s Minister of State for Health, Maria Caulfield MP, today and to sign the new Reciprocal Health Arrangement with the UK on behalf of the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
“A new RHA 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. 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.
“This is great news that the new arrangement has been secured and is the result of a lot of hard work from many in both jurisdictions over the years to investigate and negotiate the new RHA with the UK.”
Maria Caulfield MP, Minister of State for Health, Department of Health & Social Care, UK Government, said: “Residents across the Bailiwick of Guernsey stand to benefit from this landmark healthcare deal, which means they’ll be able to access urgent or necessary healthcare when visiting the UK.
“None of us can plan for unexpected medical emergencies, so I am delighted that those travelling from the Bailiwick have this additional peace of mind when they travel to the UK.
“This arrangement is a testament to the strength and close cooperation across the British family.”
