Extending Private Health Insurance
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2026.03.14
3.2 Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin of the Minister for Health and Social Services regarding extending private health insurance to Islanders (OQ.49/2026):
Will the Minister assure the Assembly that any discussions to extend private health insurance to Islanders (as mentioned by the Chief Minister during Questions without notice on 24th February 2026) will not include consideration of removing the provision of any universally available public health services in the Island?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet of St. Saviour (The Minister for Health and Social Services):
As Members know, we are looking at various models of health funding, but I am pleased to reassure the Constable that we have no intention of removing the provision of any universally provided public health services.
The Deputy Bailiff :
Supplementary, Connétable ?
The Connétable of St. Martin :
No, thank you, Sir. I think the question has been answered.
- Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier North :
Would the Minister confirm if any future proposal for the private health insurance will be brought for debate to the Assembly and will not be a policy decision made by the Minister?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
As I think the Deputy will know, our terms come to an end very shortly and it will probably be in the hands of somebody else. But I would imagine, whoever that is, something as major and as important as that would have to come back to the Assembly in any event.
- Deputy J. Renouf of St. Brelade :
I welcome the reassurance from the Minister. Will he therefore explain a little bit more about what is being proposed in terms of private healthcare, in terms of how it will impact patients?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
I think the Deputy knows that this is in its very early stages. I have not had a chance to catch up with the officer who is actually leading on this since our last Assembly meeting. It really is in its infancy and I am genuinely not in a position. I am not withholding anything, I am just not in a position to make any concrete statements of any sort.
- Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter :
What instructions will the Minister therefore be leaving behind for who may take over the role of Minister next?
Deputy T.J.A. Binet :
Simply to carry on with the work that is currently underway.