Changes to healthcare policy

The Minister for Health and Social Services (the Minister) is making changes to ensure Jersey’s limited healthcare resources are used fairly and sustainably. These changes focus support on people who live and work in Jersey; while making sure you receive the care you need.

Eligibility for publicly funded healthcare

From 13 April 2026:

if you’re visiting Jersey, you’ll be charged for emergency healthcare services unless your country has a Reciprocal Health Agreement with us
if you’re working in Jersey on a Work Permit, you’ll now get any follow-up care you need after an emergency free of charge during your first 6 months here

Publicly Funded Healthcare Eligibility Policy

Visitors to Jersey

If you’re visiting from a country without a Reciprocal Health Agreement, you’ll be charged for emergency care, including:

£325 for Emergency Department treatment
£475 for ambulance services

If your home country does have a Reciprocal Health Agreement with Jersey, for example the UK, France and Portugal, you’ll continue to receive free care under that arrangement.

You can check whether your country of residence is covered here Health agreements between Jersey and other countries. If your country isn’t listed, you’ll be charged for emergency care during your visit.

If you decide to stay or move to Jersey, the rules for new residents will apply.

We’ll always provide emergency treatment when needed.

If you’re not eligible for free emergency care, you’ll be charged afterwards. We strongly recommend you have appropriate travel insurance before you visit.

You’ll have the right to appeal any charge.

Work Permit holders

If you're employed in Jersey on a Work Permit, from 13 April 2026, during your first 6 months in Jersey you’ll get:

free emergency care
free ongoing treatment connected to that emergency

Staying in hospital when medically fit to leave

From 30 March 2026, if you are medically fit to leave hospital and a safe care package has been arranged for you, you’ll be charged if you choose to stay in hospital and continue receiving care.

These charges help keep beds available for people who need urgent treatment.

Patient Choice Policy

Daily charges

When you’re medically fit to leave hospital and a safe non hospital care package is in place, you can stay in hospital for up to 5 working days without charge.

From 30 March 2026, if you choose to stay longer: you’ll be charged £502 per 24 hours.

You won't be charged if:

you're experiencing mental health difficulties
you lack capacity
there are concerns about your safety
you have exceptional personal circumstances

You’ll have the right to appeal any charge.

Support during your stay

Throughout your time in hospital, we’ll:

talk with you about discharge plans
agree an estimated discharge date
share information with you and your family so you know what to expect

Support for patients in a temporary placement

If you move to a temporary placement while you wait for your preferred long-term choice, a Social Worker will stay in regular contact with you and your family for up to 3 months.

If you still don’t have a permanent placement after 3 months, the Community Adult Social Work Team will take over your support.

We’ll review your situation every week to help you move to your preferred choice as soon as possible.