Which travel agent do I have to use?

Uniglobe Travel is contracted by Guernseys Social Security Department to book your medical travel.

Who is entitled to free health travel?

All patients travelling to the UK after referral by a doctor for medical treatment not available in Guernsey.

Can my escort get free travel?

a) N.B. This information is only applicable to Southampton.******** Relatives travelling with or visiting a Guernsey/Alderney patient in the UK are entitled to a special fare from FLYBE. This fare is only available Guernsey/Southampton/Guernsey. Tickets must be obtained from the SSD travel agent and only under certain conditions. A “Relative Travel Scheme”(RTS) form must be completed by the Health Benefit department staff and submitted to the SSD travel agent. Discounts on the fare are available for children (67%) and infants (10%).

The ticket will have ‘one free change’ and will be available as a ticket on ‘departure’.


This fare is not available when the relative is travelling through TAG or TEAS.

GUIDELINES

1. The patient must be a TAG claimant.

2. The duration of stay in the UK cannot exceed that of the patient.

3. Maximum stay cannot exceed one calendar month.
4. Relationship to the patient is restricted.

Allowed Relationships

Husband/wife Common law husband/wife
Mother/father Step mother/father
Son/daughter Step son/daughter
Grandparent/grandchild Guardian
Brother/sister Partners (same sex)


b) If it is deemed necessary for someone to escort you such as a member of your family or a friend and a recommendation has been made by your GP or Consultant then the SSD will ask you about your income and expenditure to carry out a Means Test in order to establish if you qualify under the Travelling Expense Assistance Scheme.

c) If however a MEDICAL escort is necessary the SSD will fund the travel expenses. Your doctor will contact the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service on your behalf to request a suitably qualified escort or will arrange for a nurse or doctor escort. All necessary arrangements will be made and paid for.

d) CHILDREN UNDER 6yrs. All children going to the UK for medical treatment under the age of6 yrs are allowed both parents to accompany them. All travel expenses will be covered by the SSD.

e) CHILDREN 6yrs and under 18yrs. Children in this age range are allowed one parent to travel with them and will have the travel arrangements funded by the SSD

What should I do if my plane is delayed on the outward journey?

Telephone the hospital ward or clinic to notify them of the delay. The telephone number will be on your appointment letter. The hospital will advise you.

However if for any reason you are unable to travel to keep the appointment the SSD will fund your travel for your new appointment date.

Please return your unused ticket.

What is the routine for my return flight?

Before leaving the hospital ward or clinic telephone the airline for any flight delays. Should you arrive at the airport and find that for any reason your flight has been cancelled and you have to spend a night in the UK ring your hospital ward to enquire if they have accommodation for you. If the hospital is unable to find you a bed the SSD will refund the cost of a reasonably priced hotel or guesthouse accommodation, and any travel expenses to and from the hotel.

Note: It is very important that you keep all your receipts in order to make a claim for your refund from the SSD on your return.

What arrangements are made for people with mobility problems?

You will need to tell the travel agent at the time of booking, so that arrangements can be made well in advance.

On booking in at the check-in desk at the airport check that they have made the necessary arrangements and ask that you be allowed to board before the other passengers and on your arrival that you disembark last. Tell the airline and the agent the type of assistance you will require.

What should I do if I am delayed and I need medication, or that because I am delayed I will not be able to get my prescription dispensed?

It is essential that before you leave the hospital that you ask to be given sufficient medication for at least 48 hours in case of flight delays, cancellation or that your pharmacy may be closed on your arrival on the island. Your medication should always be carried on your person and it should be easily available to you.

If you have problems in the UK contact the nearest pharmacy or the hospital that discharged you.

There is a rota chemist in Guernsey every Sunday and on Bank Holidays between 11am and 12 noon. The Press or teletext will have details and a poster will be displayed on the door of all closed pharmacies. Your GP will be able to help you outside these hours

NB this is most important for people who are diabetic and require insulin. or in the case e.g. of people with angina, asthma etc

What is a consent form and why might I have to sign one?

A consent form is a specified document specifically designed to give the patient's consent to allow a Doctor, Physician, Surgeon or Radiologist permission to carry out a definite named medical procedure, investigation, operation, biopsy or removal of a named organ. This document must be signed by the patient and witnessed.

Before giving your consent it is in your best interest that you are fully aware what is involved in the medical procedure and be knowledgeable about the outcome and prognosis before signing. You should ask the medical staff as many questions as you feel is relevant to relieve any anxieties or worries that you might have.

At what age am I allowed to sign my own medical consent form?

16 years of age is the statutory minimum age that allows you to sign this document