Minister warns of “false hopes” on Reciprocal Health Agreement

Minister for the Department of Health and Social Security, Hon W.E. Teare MHK appreciates Labour MP for Thurrock, Andrew Mackinlay’s recent support for the Isle of Man, concerning the ending of the reciprocal health agreement between the UK and the Isle of Man.

Minister for Health and Social Security Hon W.E.Teare, MHK commented

“The Isle of Man has to be realistic and responsible and accept that the United Kingdom Government’s door is firmly locked on this issue. For more than a year now the United Kingdom Government has made it very clear that this is a policy decision that is not open to negotiation”.

The United Kingdom Department of Health has refused to meet the Isle of Man Government on this issue, as they have refused to meet representatives from Jersey.

The United Kingdom’s reciprocal health agreements with the Channel Islands have already ended and although we were successful in obtaining a one year extension, they have now given formal notice to terminate ours from the end of March next year.

The Minister continued

“The United Kingdom has given no indication whatsoever that the agreement could be saved – quite the contrary. In the circumstances we need to face up to reality and prepare for the ending of the agreement next year. The Department of Health and Social Security recommends that travel insurance is advisable for visits to the United Kingdom from April next year in the same way as it is advisable for visits abroad. The Department does recognise that there is concern over the availability and cost of such travel insurance for people with certain health conditions, and will be publishing advice on this and other issues in a public information campaign starting in the new year