Visitors Reminded to Check Travel Insurance

People visiting this year to enjoy the TT, Southern 100 and MGP are being reminded to ensure they have adequate travel insurance in place prior to setting off, in the event they may need it whilst on-island.

In the majority of cases, visitors who require health and care support during their stay – including urgent or emergency care – will be covered for most (if not all) costs they incur under the reciprocal healthcare agreement* in place between the Isle of Man and the UK.

However, visitors who travel to the island from countries outside of the UK are unlikely to be covered by a reciprocal health agreement, and therefore are generally only entitled to urgent and emergency services free of charge, in line with the provisions of the NHS (Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2011.

Oliver Radford, Manx Care’s Director of Operations, commented: ‘Firstly, I’d like to reassure visitors to the Island that urgent treatment – for example for someone involved in a road accident or who suffers a medical episode – will always be provided to anyone who needs it. Issues such as whether or not that person has adequate travel insurance in place should never delay or prevent urgent treatment being given.

‘However, please ensure if you’re travelling to the island that you have your own appropriate level of insurance in place – please don’t overlook this important aspect. The reciprocal healthcare agreement does not cover all eventualities which could be very costly for anyone who has an accident or becomes ill and requires healthcare support or treatment, and even more costly for those without insurance in place at all.

‘Please also make sure you’ve packed enough prescription medication and any other forms of medicine, tablets or equipment with you before you set off. We want all visitors to enjoy a safe and healthy TT without having to worry.’

Manx Care’s signposting guide highlights all of the available health and care options to people visiting the Isle of Man, and points them to the most appropriate service to meet their needs. It is available in foreign languages including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Polish, and can be accessed here or by visiting www.manxcare.im or www.gov.im/signposting.

This includes the Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital, MEDS (the Manx Emergency Doctor Service, also based at Noble’s), the Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit at Ramsey Cottage Hospital (based in the North), access to GP services, support for persistent low mood and anxiety, Community Pharmacy provision, and emergency dental or optical care. During practice sessions and race days, First Aid will be also be available at a medical unit located behind the Grandstand Minor Injuries Unit.

* The reciprocal healthcare agreement is restricted to visits of less than three months’ duration. It does not, in all circumstances, include medical repatriation back to the UK, including for people who live in a country where a reciprocal health agreement is in place. For further information on this, please visit www.gov.im/healthinsuranceforvisitors.