The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
1240/5(5989)
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY THE DEPUTY OF ST. JOHN
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 1st FEBRUARY 2011
Question
Given that the Reciprocal Health Agreement is still not in place, what insurance assistance is there for families in the following situations and would she advise who the public should contact for assistance -
- when a patient has to attend hospital in the UK, whilst travelling between the Airport to the place of treatment?
- for the next of kin or carer to assist a patient whilst travelling and staying in UK?
- if private insurance premiums are declined or it is too expensive?
Further to this what help, if any, can the travelling public get if they are going to the UK and are declined insurance on age or health grounds or when the premiums are excessive?
Answer
When a patient has been publicly referred to a UK hospital by an HSSD medical consultant they will receive travel assistance in accordance with the criteria and income limits set out in the HSSD Patient Travel Policy 2009 (attached). This includes travel between the airport and the place of treatment.
The Department will also provide travel assistance for a family member or carer if the referred patient is unable to travel unescorted due to their age, physical ability or their clinical condition, as assessed by the referring consultant.
The Department does not provide assistance with insurance for either referred patients or escorts. The patient or escort is personally liable for the cost of their own insurance cover or for any costs they incur as a result of not having adequate insurance. The Department will, however, consider reimbursement of costs associated with emergency medical care providing the patient or escort can demonstrate that they attempted to obtain insurance but were unable to because premiums were prohibitively excessive or because no insurance company was willing to provide cover.
The Department is unable to provide assistance for Jersey residents declined insurance, on whatever grounds, other than in the circumstances outlined above.
It is envisaged that a new Reciprocal Health Agreement will be in place shortly. Anne Milton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health, has confirmed in principle support for the reintroduction of an agreement between the UK and Jersey. The draft agreement is waiting consideration by the DOH's legal department prior to consultation with the Devolved Administrations.