Health Minister David Ashford has urged island residents to ensure they have adequate travel insurance cover, so they are not left with huge relocation bills if they are hospitalised in the UK.

He said there was a reciprocal agreement with the UK over free emergency health care, but added: ’Although treatment is free, repatriation return travel to someone’s home country has never been included as part of a reciprocal agreement and this remains the case today.

’Because of this, all Isle of Man residents who travel to the UK including on business - unless they work in the UK for a UK company - should ensure that they have adequate insurance in place in the event of repatriation being required, as this can be a considerable expense, ranging from the cost of a ferry ticket to the hiring of a private ambulance, which can cost as much as £20,000 in certain circumstances.’

Mr Ashford made the plea in the House of Keys on Tuesday after being asked by Rob Callister (Onchan) what the travel advice was for women in the latter stages of pregnancy.

The minister said: ’The obstetric team advises women who are six months pregnant or more to familiarise themselves with the location of maternity services in the vicinity of their destination - and any en route if it will be a long journey - so that they can seek maternity advice should an unexpected emergency occur.

’Women who are considered at high risk would be strongly advised to stay in the island and not risk travelling.’