Thursday 23 December 2021
From 1st January 2022, children resident in Guernsey and Alderney will be entitled to certain health subsidies up to their 18th birthday, following the redistribution of family allowance.
Children visiting the Emergency Department will only be required to pay £25 regardless of the subsequent treatment required. As part of this change, payment will be required at the time of their appointment, regardless of whether or not they have medical insurance. Those on income support will continue to have their attendance and consultation funded by Employment & Social Security and, therefore, will not need to pay for their consultation at the time.
In addition, children visiting the GP will only be required to pay £25, with a visit to the practice nurse costing £15.
Children will also be entitled to receive a free annual dental check-up, as well as receiving dental health education in schools. There will also be extended cultural development opportunities in States primary school pupils.
Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said:
"We're really pleased that the subsidised appointments for children will shortly be in place. Income can be a barrier to accessing health services, so hopefully, by reducing the barrier, we can make healthcare more affordable, particularly for those with children and young people."
The redistribution of Family Allowance and introduction of health subsidies and education provision were agreed by the States in August 2020.
