Healthcare in France - things you need to know before buying a home in France
The World Health Organisation, in 2000, ranked healthcare in France as the best in the world. If you have any special medical requirements this is something you must consider before setting up home in France. Things are different across the Channel so you must find out how the system works in order that your health needs are met.
Am I entitled to healthcare in France?
EU nationals who only use their holiday home in France for short breaks should obtain a European Health Insurance Card from the Post Office. This entitles them to free healthcare in France for up to three months if necessary.
If you are working then your employers should register you with French social security and pay health insurance contributions for you. After a year of making your home in France you must start to make contributions yourself.
If you are unemployed, or earning a low income, you can apply to be insured by the system of universal cover of healthcare in France. If you are not working or are earning a low income after three months of setting up home in France, you can apply to be covered by Couverture Maladie Universelle (universal health cover). This scheme is designed to ensure that everyone is insured for basic healthcare in France.
What should I do first after setting up home in France?
If you are moving to France you should register with your local Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie office. You should also provide them with documents you have in respect of reciprocal healthcare agreements, such as E106 or E121 forms.
Is healthcare in France delivered in the same way as in the UK?
In France, things work differently than how they do in the UK with the state paying a percentage of the cost of treatment. You pay the up-front costs and the state reimburses you for part of them. The proportion you pay depends on the particular treatment but is reimbursed by 70% on average.
Most people cover the gap between state provision and costs by taking out top-up insurance and low-income households may be entitled to this for free. You should consider what type of insurance is best for your family and think carefully about any medical conditions before buying a home in France.
Healthcare in France – GP’s, prescriptions and pensioners
The system of healthcare in France changed in 2005 and residents now have to register with a particular GP. Previously those with a home in France could consult any doctor or specialist. You can visit any dentist you wish but prices fluctuate wildly.
Prescription drugs are refunded by the sécurité sociale on varying scales, from 35% to 65%, depending on the condition and income of the patient.
Pensioners from other EU countries have their healthcare in France paid for by the country where they receive their state pension. Retired people who have set up home in France and who receive a French state pension will be treated as a French pensioner and will have your medical costs covered.
