Thursday 15 December 2022
The Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangement (RHA) with the UK, which comes into effect on 1 January 2023, will allow necessary healthcare to be provided to Bailiwick residents visiting the UK and vice versa.
The arrangement will also allow certain treatments to be arranged in the other jurisdiction ahead of travel that will also be free of charge e.g., dialysis treatment.
Necessary healthcare refers to treatment that is urgent or cannot wait until the patient has returned home.
Guidance documents have been published today which provide detailed advice for islanders travelling to the UK, travellers to the Bailiwick and Bailiwick providers of health services. Information for students and advice regarding specific treatments are also included in these documents.
The RHA extends to the whole of the Bailiwick, so visitors to and residents of Sark and Alderney are also covered subject to some minor differences in processes due to differences in healthcare provision in each island.
Deputy Al Brouard, HSC President said:
'The establishment of this new RHA in January is excellent and welcome news for travellers.
Travel insurance is still strongly advised as the arrangement does not cover everything that a person may end up needing whilst travelling (for example repatriation is not covered by the RHA).'
To access necessary healthcare whilst in the UK, Bailiwick residents should ensure they have documentation which proves their eligibility to access healthcare under the RHA - such as passport, driving licence, or other proof of address/travel. UK visitors to the Bailiwick should bring their GHIC/EHIC card with them.
Any UK residents requiring necessary healthcare whilst in the Bailiwick must use a recognised provider. Details of recognised providers can be found here: www.gov.gg/rha
Further information can be found on www.gov.gg/rha or people can contact ukrha@gov.gg or 01481 222510.
