Healthcare in the Channel Islands is excellent but expensive, and the system is run independently by each bailiwick – meaning Guernsey and Jersey operate entirely separate arrangements.
Both Guernsey and Jersey have Reciprocal Health Arrangements (RHAs) with the UK, in force since January 2023. These allow UK residents to access necessary healthcare during temporary visits of up to six months, and vice versa. UK residents should carry their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) when visiting. The Channel Islands are not part of the EU, so the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid here.
These RHAs do not benefit expats settling on the islands for the long term. A few other countries have bilateral health agreements with one or both bailiwicks, but, again, these cover only short-term visits. Arranging a comprehensive health insurance policy before you arrive is strongly recommended.
Healthcare in Guernsey
When moving to Guernsey, the first step to accessing the island’s healthcare system is to register with a local General Practitioner (GP). The GP is the first port of call for most medical needs and can provide prescriptions and referrals to specialists if need be. New arrivals to Guernsey will need to cover the full cost of GP consultations.
Emergency care in Guernsey incurs a flat fee based on the time patients arrive at the hospital and the nature of the emergency. After-hours visits to the hospital are more expensive, and consultation charges increase with the severity of the condition, which is classified as minor, intermediate, major, or critical.
Health insurance
Those who are employed in Guernsey and make social security contributions will have access to several benefits, including subsidised consultations with a doctor or nurse and free specialist treatment when referred by a GP. Social security also provides access to certain prescribed medications for a small fee.
Emergency medical services
St John Emergency Ambulance Service operates Guernsey’s only ambulance service, providing accident and emergency cover and paramedic response 24 hours a day. The government only partially subsidises St John, and ambulance services are expensive.
Guernsey residents can support St John by purchasing a yearly subscription. This subscription entitles them to use the service free of charge. It is generally a good deal, given that a single ambulance call-out costs considerably more than the annual subscription fee. Ambulance services also accept health insurance as payment. Patients without health insurance or a subscription must pay the full ambulance fee.
Useful links
- States of Guernsey: Find a GP
- St John Ambulance & Rescue Service Guernsey
- States of Guernsey: Reciprocal Health Arrangement with the UK
Healthcare in Jersey
While Jersey has reciprocal health agreements with select countries, most expats will have to cover their own medical expenses or take out private health insurance. Treatment in the emergency department, however, is free for everyone.
Health insurance
Expats who have been Jersey residents for six months and made the required social security contributions are eligible for a Social Security Health Card. This card provides access to discounted GP consultations. If the GP prescribes any medication, it’s provided free of charge.
Thanks to a reciprocal agreement between Jersey and France, French citizens are eligible for the Social Security Health Card immediately and do not have to observe the six-month waiting period. Jersey also has reciprocal healthcare agreements with numerous countries, including the UK, Australia and New Zealand. However, only short-term visitors can take advantage of these, meaning they aren’t of much use to expats moving to Jersey for the long term.
Emergency medical services
In Jersey, emergency care is provided free to anyone who needs it. Non-residents will need to pay for all non-emergency services and care. This includes any treatments outside public emergency departments, as well as post-emergency evacuation and repatriation costs.
Useful links
- Government of Jersey: Health Card and GP Fees
- Government of Jersey: Reciprocal Health Agreements
- Government of Jersey: Jersey General Hospital
Pharmacies in the Channel Islands
Both chain and independent pharmacies can easily be found in Jersey and Guernsey. Pharmacists can offer basic medical advice for minor ailments.
Usual pharmacy hours are from 8am or 9am to 5pm or 6pm Monday to Saturday. In Jersey, most pharmacies are closed on Sundays, but some open for a few hours. Guernsey’s pharmacies operate on a rota system for Sundays and bank holidays.
Useful links
Vaccinations for the Channel Islands
No vaccinations are required to enter the Channel Islands. That said, all routine vaccinations should be kept up to date before you move – including MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), polio and tetanus. The Channel Islands have no risk of tropical diseases, and vaccinations such as those for malaria, typhoid, or yellow fever are not relevant here. Check the latest guidance from the NHS or the CDC before travelling.