Health: Isle of Man

Lord Smith of Clifton Excerpts

Monday 14th June 2010 Lords Chamber

Asked By

[Lord Smith of Clifton]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will decide whether to continue or cancel their reciprocal healthcare agreement with the Isle of Man.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Earl Howe)]

My Lords, the current reciprocal healthcare agreement between the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man is due to end on 30 September 2010. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State will consider this matter, in consultation with other relevant parties, in good time to reach a decision by September.

[Lord Smith of Clifton]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that reply. At the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly plenary last March, it was unanimously resolved that the Government should continue with the reciprocal healthcare agreement. It would be very ageist if that agreement were rescinded, because people such as me—I declare an interest—could not get the personal health insurance that would be needed to go to the Crown Dependencies. Is this not a form of discrimination which is totally unacceptable?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, it might be helpful if I were to clarify the current position. If the noble Lord were to go the Isle of Man, the agreement in place at the moment would enable him to receive emergency healthcare there—that is, healthcare that is immediately necessary—free of charge should he need it. The only reason for requiring travel insurance in addition would be to cover the cost of, let us say, an air ambulance back to the mainland or any extra costs that were non-medical arising out of the emergency. In that sense, the Isle of Man is no different as a travel destination than, let us say, the United States.