Visitors to UK should check their insurance

Isle News, 24 March 2009 – Guernsey Citizens Advice Bureau is backing an HSSD campaign alerting islanders to the need for health insurance when travelling to the UK from 1st April.

The warning follows changes to the reciprocal health agreement between the UK and the Bailiwick, which means that islanders will have to pay for any medical treatment received in mainland Britain unless referred there by a local doctor for specialist treatment. Guernsey Citizens Advice Bureau Manager Mrs Kate Raleigh said that islanders need to be careful: ‘Even if you already have travel or health insurance you need to check carefully that your specific travel arrangements will be covered under your existing policy. If you just presume it’s okay then you might be in for a nasty shock.’

Mrs Raleigh said that the CAB recently became aware of a well-known travel insurance company that will only cover time spent in transit through England if the client stays a minimum of two nights in a hotel, each way. She said that the bureau conducted further investigations that highlighted many existing policies with similar restrictions, leaving many islanders vulnerable.

Mrs Raleigh said that there are a few insurance policies available both locally and nationally that can provide the precise cover needed: ‘Islanders should shop around as some insurance companies do not cover islanders staying with family or friends rather than in a hotel. Others have a specific minimum time, such as two days, which would affect anyone just staying overnight before flying out on holiday.’ She added: ‘With annual family insurance there may also be restrictions on the minimum number travelling on any specific journey. You need to look at the detail.’

Potential costs of medical care under the new UK rules are such that Mrs Raleigh advised locals who already have travel or health insurance to check their policies carefully: ‘This isn’t straightforward. We are telling clients not simply to hope for the best but to check that they are covered. If not, then we advise them to take out additional cover before setting off.’

She said it is also important to remember that the same applies for UK visitors to Guernsey: ‘Anyone who has family or friends visiting the islands over Easter or the summer should let them know beforehand that they will need suitable medical cover. Otherwise they risk running up the sort of bill that could ruin their holiday.’

ENDS

For more information contact Kate Raleigh Tel. 242734.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Free, Confidential and Impartial advice and information on 242266 or
Bridge Avenue, The Bridge, St Sampsons
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30 to 4, Tuesday and Friday 9:30 – 12:30

Free Drop-In Advice Sessions during April:
10 – 12 Trinity Centre April 23rd
10 – 12 St Martin’s Community Centre April 30th

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