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Bailiwick residents will be able to access free emergency healthcare when visiting the UK after a new reciprocal health agreement came into force on New Year's Day.
The new reciprocal healthcare arrangement comes into force for 2023, and covers UK residents visiting the islands in a similar way.
Residents from the Bailiwick will be able to access necessary healthcare when visiting England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on the same basis as someone living there.
Attendance at Accident and Emergency and urgent GP appointments will be included in the new arrangement, while those with a pre-existing condition will be able to receive treatment, like kidney dialysis or chemotherapy, if this is arranged and agreed prior to travel.
"The establishment of this new RHA in January is excellent and welcome news for travellers,’ said Health and Social Care president Deputy Al Brouard.
"Travel insurance is still strongly advised as the arrangement does not cover everything that a person may end up needing while travelling, for example repatriation is not covered by the RHA."
Pictured: Deputy Al Brouard.
Bailiwick residents will need documentation that proves their eligibility for any treatment, such as passport or driving licence.
UK visitors to the Bailiwick should bring their Global Health Insurance Card or European Health Insurance Card with them.
The reciprocal healthcare arrangement was signed by Policy & Resources president Peter Ferbrache in August.
At the time he said that it would benefit both Island residents and visitors from the UK, making travel easier.
Pictured: Documents, like a passport, will be needed to access emergency healthcare under the new deal with the UK.
Around 200,000 UK residents visit the Bailiwick each year.
Before the new deal came into force, travellers were liable for the full cost of emergency care which created a barrier for those who struggled to get health insurance.
The original agreement with the UK government was scrapped in 2009.
It cost Guernsey about £500,000 a year. The new deal does not have a fixed annual cost.
More details about the arrangement can be found on the States website.
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