A potentially golden opportunity.

That’s how a former Health Minister is describing the possibility of the Island striking some form of reciprocal health agreement with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

A number of options are being explored by health officials after Tynwald last week agreed the department should assess the position in more detail and report back by July.

From April next year, healthcare for Manx residents in the United Kingdom will no longer be free, due to the UK government's decision to withdraw from the agreement.

Speaker of the House of Keys Steve Rodan believes there’s every reason to be optimistic.