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.

Mignot Memorial Hospital out-patient fees Fees cover attendance and exclude doctor's fees Mignot Memorial Hospital in-patient fees Fees cover bed, board and nursing Day Time Fee Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm £91 6pm to 8am £117 Saturday 12am-8am £139 8am-6pm £117 6pm-12am £139 Sunday and public holidays 12am-8am £156 8am-6pm £139 6pm-12am £156 Length of stay Fee 24 hours £450 Above 8 hours, less than 12 £250 Above 4 hours, less than 8 £200 Less than 4 hours £150

(from Alderney Journal)

Blimey!!!

It is not clear if Guernsey residents are covered, I would have thought so, but...... is this the case?



.

Can't see people being in much of a hurry to go there - what with the prohibitive costs - now this

Surely it covers Guerns,are we not all part of the Bailiwick?
Special offer in today's GP £39-00 day trip/by boat

Is that La Manche-Isles? Tried to book last year and they left Guernsey so late in the evening you needed to stop over - they you couldn't get back!!!! Have they changed???

Well...better not get sick after hour or on holidays!