Your health and wellbeing are a top priority, and Guernsey offers a high standard of healthcare to support you and your family.
While not part of the NHS, Guernsey’s healthcare system follows UK best practices and is delivered through a combination of public and private services, centred around the Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH) and a network of medical centres.
Healthcare is partially funded by the States of Guernsey through an income-based contributions scheme. Residents are encouraged to register with the Social Security department upon arrival to access these benefits.
Primary & Secondary Care
Primary Care services - including GP visits, A&E, ambulance use, dental care, and physiotherapy are privately delivered. While residents receive a small grant towards GP consultations, the remaining cost is paid by the patient or through private health insurance. This system ensures quick access to appointments and efficient emergency care.
Secondary Care is provided by the Medical Specialist Group (MSG), a private practice of specialist consultants. When referred by a GP or consultant, the cost of treatment and hospitalisation is covered by the States of Guernsey, including any necessary treatment in the UK.
The MSG also provides treatment that can be paid for by the patient, known as “private patient care”. The PEH has a private wing (the Victoria Wing) where private patients may elect to stay for inpatient treatment.
If you would like to receive private healthcare, you can ask your GP for a referral or go directly to the MSG
Emergency Services
Guernsey’s A&E department is located at the PEH. Both emergency treatment and ambulance services incur a charge. To cover the costs of ambulance call-outs, many residents opt for an annual subscription with the St John Ambulance & Rescue Service, which operates 24/7 across the island.
St John Ambulance Subscription Scheme
It’s important to register with the Social Security department as soon as you arrive to benefit from the healthcare system.
Check out other practicalities to consider when relocating to Guernsey
Registering with a GP
There are three main GP partnerships in Guernsey, operating across nine surgeries and all GP visits are paid for directly or through private insurance.
Healthcare Insurance
Many residents choose to take out health insurance to ensure that they are covered for costs that fall beyond their health benefits. It’s a good idea to consider health insurance for the whole family, just to give you peace of mind that you’re covered for all eventualities.
Locate Guernsey can assist with any questions you may have about healthcare insurance.
Pharmacies & Prescriptions
With 15 pharmacies across the island, accessing medication is easy.
While you can easily obtain over-the-counter medication, you’ll need to see a doctor before the pharmacist can dispense prescription-only medicines.
Prescription charges are currently capped at £4.90 per item, and some residents may qualify for exemptions or reduced costs. Pharmacists also offer advice on minor health concerns and treatments.
Dental Care
All dental services in Guernsey are privately provided. There are 13 dental practices, and children under 18 are entitled to one free annual check-up with a private dentist. The Children’s Dental Service also supports children with specific needs.
Children’s Health Services
Guernsey offers excellent support for families, including:
Health Visitors for developmental checks and early support
Health visiting is a universal service offered to all families with preschool children. If you have a child, a Health Visitor will be assigned during the antenatal period or commence visiting a day or two after the midwife has discharged your baby. Health visitors offer developmental assessments for babies and young children at key points in their lives.
School Health Services offering vaccinations and health promotion
The School Health Service is committed to promoting and maintaining the health of school-age children. The School Nurses offer a vaccination programme to all school students with routine and catch-up vaccinations available.
Children’s Dental Services for those with additional needs
The Children’s Dental Service provides a dedicated dental service for preschool and school-age children with particular needs. All children under the age of 18 years are eligible for one free dental check-up each year with their private dentist.
Holistic & Alternative Therapies
Guernsey has a thriving natural health community, offering services such as acupuncture, osteopathy, reflexology, yoga, meditation, and nutritional therapy. Many practitioners work collaboratively to support holistic wellbeing.
Reciprocal Health Arrangement
Since January 2023, Guernsey has a Reciprocal Health Arrangement with the UK, allowing residents to access necessary healthcare while visiting the UK and vice versa for urgent treatment that cannot wait until returning home.
For further information about the Reciprocal Health Arrangement, please visit: