Teare confirms treatment is still free

Health Minister Eddie Teare has confirmed Isle of Man residents aren't yet being charged for medical treatment at hospitals in the United Kingdom.

Earlier this week, the chairman of the Island’s Medical Society claimed some patients were already being asked to pay, despite the fact the reciprocal agreement between the Island and the UK doesn't end until April.

It was suggested medical staff in the UK were getting confused between Isle of Man residents and those in the Channel Islands, where the agreement has already terminated.

However, Mr Teare says his department has only had one official problem with a Manx patient, which has now been resolved, and it's clear the agreement will remain in place for the next three months.