Visitors who are injured face a big bill to get home if the’re not adequately insured.

The government is publicising the situation as the island gears up for the TT and the biggest influx of tourists in the year.

The reciprocal health agreement between the Isle of Man and the UK - whereby free healthcare is available to UK residents visiting the Isle of Man and island residents visiting the UK - is limited to urgent care that the patient requires before returning home.

The agreement does not necessarily cover the costs of travelling back home after treatment, which can be extremely high.

Generally, non-UK residents visiting the island are entitled only to free emergency care. Any charges for treatment beyond emergency care, in addition to the cost of returning home, would be payable by the patient or their insurer.

Manx residents travelling outside of the UK will face any local charges applicable to overseas visitors for medical treatment where they are staying.

Again, the individual would be liable for any costs associated with getting back home following treatment.

Consequently, all people travelling to and from the island need adequate health insurance, including provision for medical repatriation, for the duration of their stay.