As far as I read it, it is the UK Government that is ending the agreement. The fact that there are primary care trusts in the UK is neither here nor there as the agreement was between the NHS system in the UK and the Islands own DHSS and not with individual trusts. Any patient needing care that comes from the UK will be treated without cost in A&E, but as soon as they are moved to a normal ward for continued treatment then this is when the costs will be acrude. This will be the same for us here on the Island if we need treatment in the UK.

The problem with normal health insurance cover is that they will cover normal activities and not anything that is out of the norm. This could include anything from bungie jumping, being on the fair on the prom to taking part in the races themselves or dare I say it even marshaling the event. The facts of this I am unclear on, but what i do know from the qquestions I have asked insurers over here is that they would not cover me for marshaling an event in the UK due to the increased risks. I do hope that the government consider this and have something in place for free treatment for any marshal that maybe unfortuante enough to get involved a little more than they wished.

You may end up with the two types of cover, one for normal travel insurance and health cover and an additional one to cover the races. I have no idea about the costs that maybe involved with this but I dare say it would be a good wack, or an additional cost that riders and competitors do not need. Maybe Paul could look into an agreement with the DHSS about rider care as I am sure there is something that can be done for them between the two departments. Lets hope so.