Isle of Man healthcare extended for six months

Free healthcare for visitors to the Isle of Man has been extended by the British Government for six months while further investigations are carried out.

The decision reinstates the Reciprocal Heathcare Agreement (RHA) between Great Britain and the Isle of Man which was due to end on April 1. It will now be extended for six months while a review is carried out.

The RHA entitled any visitors to the Isle of Man to free healthcare outside of emergency care which was unaffected by the decision.

It meant that if you were to fall ill on a trip to the Island without travel insurance to cover the costs you could have been left with a huge medical bill.

Isle of Man Chief Minister Tony Brown said: “I can advise that over the lunch break I spoke again with Andy Burnham the Secretary of State for Health and I am able to inform this honourable court that the UK government has determined to reconsider its position.

“Although I do not have all the details of what is proposed I can confirm that arrangements for travellers on temporary visits would remain the same as they are today – that is to say that Isle of Man visitors to the UK would receive free health care as would UK visitors to the Isle of Man.

“Mr Burnham has been reflecting on our last meeting which he stated has brought home to him the real issues involved. On reflection he has accepted the arguments put forward by the Minister for Health and myself.

“This new agreement will operate for six months from April 1 during which period both governments will assess how the arrangements are working.

“There will be on-going discussions between our two governments during that time.”