Doctors fees, prescriptions and health cards
Visiting the doctor in Jersey
General Practice in Jersey is private, so you will have to pay to see a doctor.
Fees vary slightly from surgery to surgery and additional charges may be made for services like injections and blood tests.
For the first 6 months after you arrive in Jersey, you will have to pay the full cost if you need to visit a doctor. Once you have been in Jersey 6 months you will be entitled to a health card. Showing this card at your doctor's surgery will give you a discount of £19 off the fee.
A list of doctors can be found in the yellow pages of the Jersey phone book.
Online telephone directory on Jersey Insight website
Prescriptions in Jersey
If you have not been in Jersey long enough to have a health card (6 months) then you will have to pay the full cost of your prescription.
If you have a health card, prescriptions are free. All you need to do is show your health card at any pharmacy.
Please note: Whilst the majority of prescription items are free there are some exceptions. A list of included items can be obtained from the Social Security Department or by downloading the latest prescribed list.
Download prescribed list February 2012 (size:237kb)
Health card
You will need a health card to get a discount at the doctors and free prescriptions.
Who can have a health card?
If you have lived in Jersey for 6 months or more, and are aged 16 or over, then you are entitled to a health card.
If you are a French national you can have a health card straight away. This is due to a health agreement that exists between Jersey and France.
Can I have a health card if I am new to the Island?
If you are new to the Island it is important to register with us as soon as you arrive. Although you will not be able to get your health card for 6 months, we start counting your 6 months from when you first arrive and register.
Once you have been here 6 months, you'll be eligible for a health card.
If you are a French national, you can have a health card as soon as you arrive. This is due to a health agreement that exists between Jersey and France.
Can I use my husband's health card?
No. Everyone must have their own number and health card.
How do I get a new / replacement health card?
To get your health card, you need to bring photographic ID to the reception at Social Security. We'll be able to print your health card while you wait.
Does my child need a health card?
We're now trying to register all residents from birth. If you have a baby, then you should come in with their birth certificate so we can give them a social security number. This number is also their health card number and you will need it any time you take your child to the doctor or pick up a prescription on their behalf.
What happens to my health card if I leave Jersey?
If you leave Jersey for more than 3 months at a time, then you must bring your card into us.
If you come back for a visit and you need to see a doctor then you will have to pay the full cost.