Chief Minister hopefuls Chris Thomas and Kirrie Jenkins have backed an immigration health charge after concerns were raised about the healthcare costs associated with inward migration to the Isle of Man.
During the Chief Minister hustings, Garff MHK Vicki Hewison said she had encountered concerns on the doorstep about some high-net-worth individuals relocating to the Island with existing health conditions.
She also said she had heard anecdotal reports of families moving to the Isle of Man because it was seen as a safe place for children with special needs, bringing additional financial responsibilities for public services.
She asked whether the island should consider additional entry requirements or whether those costs were something taxpayers were prepared to absorb.
Area For Economic Growth
Responding, Kirrie Jenkins said she had not seen evidence that high-net-worth individuals were taking advantage of the healthcare system, adding that those she had encountered were bringing investment, businesses and jobs to the Island.
“I do think we need to have the health levy in place,” she said, adding that many high-net-worth residents also had private medical insurance.
Mrs Jenkins suggested there could be opportunities to expand the use of private healthcare and medical insurance on the Island, describing it as a potential area for economic growth.
Immigration Health Charge
Chris Thomas agreed, backing the introduction of an immigration health charge and saying work on the policy was already underway.
He also suggested greater use could be made of private medical insurance to provide diagnostics and treatments alongside the NHS, helping support the wider healthcare system.
Thomas said the issue should ultimately be guided by evidence rather than anecdote and pointed to a future Tynwald debate on the subject.
