A new reciprocal health agreement is signed in the IOM

The Isle of Man government has signed a new reciprocal health agreement with the UK.

It means Manx people travelling in the UK are still able to receive free hospital care.

Had the agreement ended, Manx residents travelling to the UK, would have needed health insurance.

The original agreement came to an end in April 2010 but the island was granted a reprieve until the end of September 2010.

Chief Minister Tony Brown, Health Minister David Anderson and Anne Milton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health signed the document on Thursday.

Chief Minister Tony Brown said: "The signing of a new Reciprocal Healthcare Agreement between the Isle of Man and the UK is very welcome news for the people of the island and for visitors to our shores.

"A lot of people have worked hard to make this happen."

Repatriation is not covered by this agreement and the IOM Department of Health strongly recommends people who travel off the Isle of Man should still make sure that they have insurance.

The health agreement does not affect patients who have been referred to a UK hospital by their consultant in the Isle of Man.