Channel Islands visitors have been urged by the Government to take out travel insurance for all trips from April.

UK travellers currently get some free medical treatment in the Islands but that concession ends on 31 March.

After that date, anyone travelling to Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark and Herm will have to pay for treatment if they fall ill or get injured.

A Department of Health spokesman says: “UK visitors to the Channel Islands must ensure they have adequate travel insurance from 1 April.”

Channel Islanders visiting the mainland and Northern Ireland must also take out travel insurance from April or risk having to pay for medical treatment.