Some patients may need to pay for medical travel

The wealthiest islanders may have to pay for travel and accommodation when receiving treatment in the UK, if proposals go ahead.

They're both currently free to all public patients who are referred off island.

The changes would see households means-tested, while all treatment would remain free.

The Health department said it must ensure that "resources are used responsibly" and directed to "those who need it".

The plans have been revealed in this week's Health and Care Jersey (HCJ) Advisory Board papers, which are due to be discussed on Thursday.

In them, the department said: "Healthcare costs are rising and HCJ must ensure that finite public funding is used fairly and directed to the Islanders who need care.

"Two draft policies and a law drafting instruction have been developed to help ensure resources are used responsibly."

Just over 2,500 Jersey residents were referred to UK hospitals for treatment in 2025.

Health officials said the new policy "re-introduces the pre-2017 policy of eligibility testing based on household income".

They also said they expected charges would apply to about 30% of households.

It has not yet been decided whether higher earners would have to foot the entire bill, or just some of it.

The papers said: "Higher-income households would need to pay for part or all of their travel or accommodation."