Doctor: Tourists should be insured

Doctor Rory Lyons has strongly advised tourists who visit Alderney to take out medical insurance.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey's reciprocal health agreement with the UK ended last month and means people who visit Alderney, as well as islanders who holiday in the UK, will be forced to pay for medical treatment unless they are insured.

Dr Lyons, of Eagle Medical Practice, said: "Tourists who visit the island must make sure they're insured. I would recommend that those who come here regularly take out an annual policy. Compared to the hospital fees the price of insurance is pennies."

Dr Lyons went on to estimate how much a tourist would be expected to pay the hospital should he or she suffer a heart attack while visiting the island.

He said: "Someone who suffered a heart attack should expect to pay in excess of £5,000. Five days in hospital would cost £2,250 and the medication we use could cost in excess of £750. There would also be doctors' fees and other charges."

Patients who require a flight to Guernsey for further treatment will also be required to stump up for the transfer and any accommodation costs. Furthermore, tourists should be aware that a consultation with a doctor costs £48 at the surgery, while simply turning up at hospital costs £91 before any medical fees.

Dr Lyons went on to say Eagle Medical Practice, in Ollivier Court, will be open for longer during the holiday season.

He said: "During busy times we will run morning surgery for an extra hour, from 11.30am to 12.30pm. This is being implemented specifically for visitors.

"We're also always on call and anyone who rings our number gets straight through to a doctor at any point during the day or night."

Call 707483 for further information on the end of the reciprocal health agreement.

One comment on this article

Create a unique icon for your replies at gravatar.com	Andy | Tue 5th May 2009 Its a shame that the UK adopt such hostile policies towards a dependency and yet seem to open the immigration gates to the third world.

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