The States has directed the Policy & Resources Committee to investigate opportunities to enter into and, if possible, to negotiate a Reciprocal Health Agreement with the government of the United Kingdom, and to report back to the Assembly next year.
Following an amendment to the Policy & Resources Plan (Future Guernsey Plan) 2019 update, the States' Assembly directed the Policy & Resources Committee - which is responsible for advising the States on matters relating to Guernsey's external relations and constitutional affairs - to investigate the opportunities to enter into and, if possible, negotiate a Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK Government, similar to those in place with the Isle of Man and Jersey. The States further directed the Policy & Resources Committee to consult States' Committees as necessary, and to update the Assembly in the 2020 Future Guernsey Plan update, or earlier if negotiations are unsuccessful.
A Reciprocal Health Agreement with the UK Government would set out the terms under which residents of Guernsey visiting the UK would receive healthcare should the need arise, and vice versa for UK residents visiting Guernsey. The specific arrangements to be entered into would require negotiation and dialogue with the UK government. The UK Government has expressed a willingness to commence discussions on a Reciprocal Health Agreement after the UK has left the EU.