The Isle of Man’s reciprocal health agreement with the UK has been extended for six months.
The agreement was due to end at the end of march, meaning travellers to the UK would require health insurance . However, chief minister Tony Brown told Tynwald a temporary agreement has been put in place until September while negotiations carry on. At Westminster, 59 MPs signed an Early Day Motion calling for the end of the agreement to be deferred.
Earlier this year Mr Brown met with UK Health Minister Andy Burnham who notified him the UK government would not move on its decision, but Mr Burnham has now agreed to the six-month extension.
Mr Brown told Tynwald: “I believe that this interim position, which has now been agreed, will take us forward to secure a long-term agreement for reciprocal health between the Isle of Man and the UK. It represents a major step forward in safeguarding the people of the Isle of Man in relation to health care when visiting the UK.”