In the lead up to this year's TT as thousands of people prepare to travel to the Island, the Government is reminding all visitors of the need for health insurance.

The reciprocal health agreement between the Isle of Man and the UK - whereby free healthcare is available to UK residents visiting the Isle of Man and Island residents visiting the UK - is limited to urgent care which the patient requires before returning home.

The agreement does not necessarily cover the costs of travelling back home after treatment, which can be extremely high.

Generally, non-UK residents visiting the Island are only entitled to free emergency care. Any charges for treatment beyond emergency care, in addition to the cost of returning home, would be payable by the patient or their insurer.

Isle of Man residents travelling outside of the UK will face any local charges applicable to overseas visitors for medical treatment where they are staying. Again, the individual would be liable for any costs associated with getting back home following treatment.

Consequently, all persons travelling to and from the Island are advised to obtain adequate health insurance, including provision for medical repatriation, for the duration of their stay.

A special leaflet has been produced.