Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
Although it is not part of the NHS, Guernsey employs the UK’s best practice across its network of medical centres and the Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH).
A brief overview is given below. For more specific details, please visit the Employers section of our website.
In Guernsey, all primary care is provided on a private basis. Primary care constitutes a visit to the GP and this is partly funded by Guernsey’s Employment and Social Security Committee, with residents paying into an income-related contributions scheme. This system means that islanders find it easy to get an appointment with their doctor.
It’s important that islanders are registered with the Social Security department as this will allow them to have access to a wide range of local health benefits, which will cut down on medical costs.
There are 3 General Practice partnerships within Guernsey, offering access to a total of nine surgeries throughout the island. A visit to the GP must be paid for directly by the recipient, or through healthcare insurance schemes. The healthcare practices are Healthcare Group Guernsey, Queens Road Medical Practice and IslandHealth.
.
In Guernsey, secondary or specialist healthcare is free of charge but is only available via a referral from a GP in primary care.
Within your Social Security contributions, residents are covered by Specialist Health Insurance Scheme and usually receive specialist care and treatment free of charge. The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) consultants provide the emergency and elective specialist medical services for the Bailiwick of Guernsey. These consultants provide the majority of medical services, including surgery, undertaken at the island’s hospital.
Many residents choose to take out health insurance to ensure that they are covered for costs that fall beyond their health benefits. Some employers choose to provide this as a benefit in kind for their employees and also sometimes members of their families. Other islanders choose to pay for their primary care appointments as they go. There are island specific policies with a number of private healthcare insurers designed specifically for islanders, offering a range of benefits at a range of costs.
Guernsey’s Accident & Emergency Department is on site at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. Any emergency medical treatment will incur a charge, this includes ambulance call-out. Patients who have health insurance are covered for some of these charges but it does vary from policy to policy.
The Guernsey Ambulance & Rescue Service is a charitable company, which operates the island’s only ambulance service. It operates 24 hours a day, providing accident and emergency cover and paramedic response, as well as a non-emergency patient transport service. Ambulance call-outs incur a charge so some islanders choose to to take out an annual subscription.
|
Accident and Emergency Charges
|
St John's Ambulance Subscription Scheme
|
Guernsey has 15 pharmacies across the island, making access to prescription medication easy.
The current charge for prescription medicines is currently capped at £4.60 per item and some residents are exempt from charges – health benefits can also reduce costs. Two pharmacies are open every Sunday and there is a rota pharmacy covering bank holidays.
In Guernsey, all dentistry care is provided on a private basis. There are 13 dental practices on the island, which can be found at the link below.
The Children’s Dental Service provides a dedicated dental service for pre-school and school age children with particular needs. As of January 2022, all children under the age of 18 years are eligible for one free dental check up each year with their private dentist.
In addition to the School Dental Service, health visiting is a universal service offered to all families with pre-school children. If you have a child, a Health Visitor will be assigned during the antenatal period or commence visiting a day or two after the midwife has discharged your baby. Health visitors offer developmental assessments for babies and young children at key points in their lives.
The School Health Service is committed to promoting and maintaining the health of school age children. The School Nurses offer a vaccination programme to all school students with routine and catch-up vaccinations available.
As of 1st January 2023, Guernsey has a Reciprocal Health Arrangement with the UK that allows necessary healthcare to be provided to Bailiwick residents visiting the UK and vice versa. Necessary healthcare refers to treatment that is urgent or cannot wait until the patient has returned home.
For further information about the Reciprocal Health Arrangement, please visit: