TRAVEL ADVICE
Below are a selection of the most common questions asked in relation to health services provided when Isle of Man residents travel to or take up residence in another country. These may be referred to as a general guide, but for more comprehensive information you can telephone (01624) 642614.
| Q | I am going on holiday to Spain, what healthcare am I entitled to? |
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| A | The Isle of Man does not have a healthcare agreement with Spain, therefore you should always take out private comprehensive health insurance before travelling. |
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| Q | I am visiting Portugal for three months this year. During my stay, am I entitled to any healthcare under the European Health Insurance Card? |
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| A | Form EHIC cannot be issued to Isle of Man residents. However, the Isle of Man has a healthcare agreement with Portugal which entitles travellers to similar emergency treatment as is available to natives of that country. As this treatment usually involves some form of payment and does not extend to the cost of repatriation, it is important that you always take out private comprehensive health insurance before travelling. |
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| Q | Why can’t Manx residents use the EHIC? |
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| A | The EHIC is only available to EU residents and the Isle of Man is not a full member of the EU. |
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| Q | Which countries in the EU does the Isle of Man have health agreements with? |
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| A | For a full list click here. Note: In order for a Manx resident to receive healthcare in these countries, including the United Kingdom, they need to be able to prove that they live the Isle of Man. Evidence can be provided by a passport and proof of Isle of Man residence (eg. Driving Licence, NHS Card, etc.) Healthcare provided in reciprocal agreement countries may not be the same as that provided in the Isle of Man and residents may be expected to pay some additional costs, for example, ambulance transport to a hospital or the accommodation costs of staying in hospital. |
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| Q | I have lived on the Isle of Man for five years, having originally moved here from the United Kingdom. I am about to retire and am considering a move to live in France. What healthcare am I entitled to? |
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| A | If you have contributed sufficient National Insurance contributions during your residency in the United Kingdom, you may be entitled to some healthcare in France and some other EU countries. You should in the first instance contact the Pensions Department of the Department of Health and Social Security to see if you do qualify. If you have made sufficient contributions, you should then contact the British Consulate in France to clarify your individual rights regarding current healthcare in that country. |
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| Q | What if I haven’t paid sufficient contributions? |
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| A | You should contact the British Consulate in the country concerned to clarify your individual rights regarding current healthcare in that country. It is important that you always take out private comprehensive health insurance before travelling. |
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