Healthcare in Guernsey

Knowing that you and your family’s health is in safe hands is of paramount importance, so it is reassuring to know that Guernsey has an excellent healthcare system to help ensure a better life for you.

Guernsey’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated how effective a coordinated response can be. Prior planning and close cooperation with all the relevant areas of government helped quickly establish an effective test, track and trace system that has minimised and eliminated infections. The island now functions with few restrictions and no requirement for social distancing or face masks. A test and isolation policy for new arrivals continues to help keep the virus at bay and preparation for all eventualities continues with Guernsey investing in further testing capacity and related infrastructure.

Although it is not part of the UK’s NHS, Guernsey employs the UK best practice across its network of medical centres and hospital. It’s also reassuring to know that the island is connected to the UK healthcare system for specialist treatment.

While Guernsey takes much of what is good about UK healthcare, the island has a different approach to charging. The healthcare system is partly funded by Guernsey’s Employment and Social Security Committee, with residents paying into an income-related contributions scheme. Residents pay for both primary healthcare and emergency treatment in Guernsey, with Social Security payments contributing towards these charges, and secondary or specialist healthcare being free of charge. This model means that islanders find it easy to get an appointment with their doctor, often on the same day or the next day, and the local Accident & Emergency department is efficient. Holders of private medical insurance will often find that their cover can also apply to Guernsey for use on the island.

Guernsey’s main hospital, the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, is well equipped and continues to evolve. The island’s government has committed to invest over £90m into the site to provide a truly 21st century standard of care. Those looking to raise a family are supported by a health visiting service for pre-school children and there is a school health service that is committed to promoting and maintaining the good health of school-age children.

Make Guernsey your home and you will do so in the comfort that your health needs will be looked after with care and expertise.

Learn more at: https://www.locateguernsey.com/