France is the world’s top destination for tourists as well as a major destination for foreign students, workers, and expatriates from all over the world. An unfortunate but significant number of these visitors may get sick at some point in their stay.

As any long-term resident of France will tell you, the French have an excellent and affordable healthcare system that even extends many of its benefits to visitors as well. However, they do things quite differently compared to most Anglophone nations. Here’s what you should do in case you find yourself ill during a trip to France.

Know where to get help

Assuming you have a limited grasp of French, here are a few options you can try, depending on your confidence in communicating in French, as well as your level of access.

1.) Your Embassy – Your embassy will typically have a list of doctors and other medical professionals who you could contact for this situation. Assuming your embassy did their job properly, these contacts may be able to communicate with you in a language you know.

2.) Your hotel concierge/host – If you’re staying in a hotel, the concierge should have access to a list of doctors. Depending on how fancy or detail-oriented the hotel is, they may even know a doctor who can speak your language.

If you’re not staying in a hotel, your host or landlord should be able to help you out in some way,

3.) Tourism offices/Police stations – if you spot a tourism office, you should give them a try, as they will typically also have a list of doctors on hand. Police stations should also be able to help, but you wouldn’t want to try that unless you’re seriously ill or have an accident.

4.) The “Pages Jaunes” – French people consult their own version of the Yellow Pages for medical emergencies, as many doctors advertise here. Check out the Pages Jaunes and type in “Médecin” (doctor) in the “Quo, qui?” field, and your city in the second field. Check off the box that says “à proximité” to search for doctors nearest to you. The next page should prompt you to choose what type of doctor you need. Choose “medecins generalistes” for a general practitioner or pick a relevant specialist here.

Go to a “Pharmacie” for less serious cases

In contrast to most Anglophone countries, the French typically have Pharmacies almost everywhere. And they’re not exactly like the pharmacies that you’re used to. Pharmacists in France do all the things that pharmacists (chemists, if you’re British) in other countries do. However, they have the qualifications to diagnose medical conditions as well as give out medical advice. The way the healthcare system in France is structured makes the ubiquitous Pharmacie the first stop for all sorts of ailments, ranging from the common cold to food poisoning.

Use Google Translate if necessary

Google translate may not be perfect, but if you’re an English speaker, it’s actually pretty good when translating symptoms and such into French. You will want a doctor who can actually understand English or better yet, your own language, but if nothing else, Google translate will do.

Know how much you might have to pay

Fortunately, healthcare in France is not as expensive as it is in many other developed countries. If you have the “La Carte Vitale” – the French National Insurance card, you may be charged very little, or even nothing. However, even without a card, going to a doctor will cost you the equivalent of €23- €60, which is dirt cheap if you’re going by American standards.

In addition to La Carte Vitale, the French healthcare system also accepts a wide range of 3^rd party insurance services, from local “une mutuelle” to international health insurance providers such as from Now Health International. Even with the low cost of medical care in France, having international insurance is still advised for travelers in any case, as even with the low-cost healthcare, being ill could still leave a huge dent in your bank account.

We hope you don’t actually end up being sick in a foreign country, as the experience can be harrowing and confusing, regardless of how well-developed their healthcare system is. That said, we hope this short guide could be of some help, should the worst happen on your trip to France.

The post What You Should Do if You Get Sick in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Adapting to life in a new country can be difficult, especially if you’re tackling a new language too. Add in the pressure of finding or starting a new job, and in the midst of all that change, your health and wellbeing can start to suffer.

Luckily, France boasts an attractive work-life balance, made clear in HSBCs 2017 Expat Explorer Survey which ranked the country fourth place in this category. But what exactly makes it such an attractive country for expats, and how can you ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle while working in a new country

Healthy Eating Habits

France is a country that is renowned for its fine cuisine and positive eating habits. French portion sizes, both when eating out and cooking at home, tend to be far smaller than those of the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom. In addition to better portion control, the French attitude to snacking is often healthier too – in that many people don’t do it!

Meghan Burgain, an American expat who moved to Paris in 2011, explains that “most people place a huge emphasis on eating, and they pay attention to what they are eating and when.” In fact, Meghan says there is no French phrase for ‘I’m full’, instead the common term is “J’ai plus faim” which means “I’m no longer hungry”.

Typically, in French culture, mealtimes are at specific times of the day and it is frowned upon to eat, or snack, outside of them – though children will sometimes have a goûter – small snack – at around 4pm.  An important part of French eating culture is to enjoy your food, taking your time to experience it and who you’re with. Healthy eating comes from moderation rather than cutting out certain types of foods; there are no forbidden foods in the French diet, only excessive eating is looked down upon.  This attitude to food is reflected in the country’s obesity rates; of the 35 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), France ranks in the bottom 10 for adult obesity. With 15.3% of the population being classed as obese, this is significantly lower than Germany (23.6%), the UK (26.9%) and the USA, which tops the chart with 38.2% of their adult population being classed as obese. 

Fitness

An active lifestyle is very much part of the French way of life too. France ranks in the top 10 countries for health (3^rd place) and quality of life (8^th place) in the Expat Explorer Survey. Many large European cities can become clogged with high volumes of traffic, thus making cars very impractical. In most cities, it is the norm to walk and take public transportation to get about. In Rachel Graham’s experience, an American expat who lived in Paris for a year whilst working as an au pair, “French people enjoy lots of walking, jogging, riding bikes, swimming and playing sports like tennis.”  Gyms are not as popular in France as they are in the UK or the US, with many people preferring outdoor activities. As a result, gyms are not only less common, but memberships tend to be expensive too.

Work-Life balance

Another important consideration for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is keeping your wellbeing balanced; achieving a happy work-life balance is often a key factor for expats seeking to experience a lifestyle change from moving abroad.

Both Meghan and Rachel noticed a big difference in work-life balance compared to their experiences in the USA. Rachel said that, “even though some jobs in Paris may require longer hours than the normal 9-5pm. I think it’s more normal to start your morning off slower and to take lunch breaks instead of eating lunch at your desk.”

Meghan’s experience is that “France actually has a work-life balance, whereas the US does not”. She says that “a full time working week is 35 hours and everyone has a minimum of 5 weeks paid vacation.” She also described maternity leave as “amazing”, having had 7 months leave when she had her twins.

Healthcare

France’s healthcare system is often considered as one of the best in the world. It ranks in 19^th for healthcare in the Expat Insider survey and is said to be a contributing factor to the country’s average life expectancy of 81.8 years.

The French healthcare system, known as Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) is a hybrid system which is partially state funded through employer and employee taxes, and part funded by individuals (or their insurance providers). Discount generic Clomid online find at http://www.trendingdownward.com/clomid-clomiphene-online/.

PUMA covers anyone who has been working, or resident, in France for at least 3 months – before the PUMA cover kicks in you will either have to fund the cost of any medical care yourself, or will need to consider an expat health insurance policy to cover you. Once you are eligible to be covered by public healthcare, you will receive a carte vitale, which will, in most cases, cover the majority of your medical expenses.

It was previously the case that you would have to pay upfront for any treatment you have received from the public healthcare system in France, and the government would then reimburse you a percentage of the cost (usually around 70% – although it can be 100% for some types of chronic illness). However, since the end of 2017, doctors and medical professionals are no longer allowed to charge an upfront cost for a visit to them, instead the cost is covered by the government or your health insurance provider.

Many people in France do take out additional health insurance, l’assurance complémentaire santé, to cover whatever percentage of a medical fee that is not reimbursed by the PUMA healthcare scheme; it may be worth considering expat health insurance policy in this instance too.

Whether you are relocating to France in search of a better lifestyle, or whether you’re simply making the move to take on a new challenge, it’s clear that you can achieve many positive benefits for your health and wellbeing by embracing the French way of living. You may have to adapt your routine and how you achieve balance in your day to day life, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle is certainly likely to be a challenge while working in France.

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Looking after elderly relatives in France: We check out what assistance is available for expats…

First of all, did you know that in France, children (where finances permit) can be obliged by the courts to support their parents and grandparents?

Putting this obligation aside, having family to stay brings much joy, but having them move in also brings costs –not only food and lodging, but you might also need to undertake home improvements and organize for extra help to care for them. In France, it’s possible to get support for some extra costs for those caring for elderly relatives; we take a look at what’s available and how to apply

Home Improvements

When you need to make necessary improvements to your primary residence to accommodate the elderly and persons of reduced mobility, a tax credit is granted for the installation and replacement of equipment specially designed to assist your new residents.

It is a very specific list of works covered, and they must be carried out by a professional, however you may be eligible for 25% of the cost to be reimbursed against your tax bill.

How to claim: Declare the full amount spent, including VAT, in box 7WJ of your ‘déclaration de revenues’. The cost of works is capped at 5.000€ for a single person household, and 10.000€ for a couple, with an extra 400€ for every dependent.

Tip: Keep the invoice for the home improvements in case you are asked for it.

Health Cover

If your family member is not already in the French health system, but has a CEAM (Carte Européene d’Assurance Maladie ) you can add them to your own health cover as a dependent.

How: Use form cerfa 14411*01 and send it on to the French organisation which oversees your own cover (CPAM, RSI,…).

Home Help

You need to apply for an Allocation Personalisée d’Autonomie  or APA (as at the  local Mairie). After this a home visit is conducted with a doctor and a social worker, to establish the needs of your family member and your involvement in their day-to-day life. This may mean you are remunerated for your assistance, or that external home help can be engaged to help as necessary.

Note: 1 month after you receive confirmation that APA is approved, a declaration should be made of the personnel engaged or the help being received (cerfa 10544*02).

The amount of support you receive will depend on the revenues of the person you are caring for as well as how much help they need.

Tax implications & reductions

As far as the French taxman is concerned your family member is now one of your household for tax purposes; even if their pension or disability income is taxed at source it should be declared on your household tax return, and if not it should be added as the income of a dependent.

If your dependent has no income, then you should reduce your total household revenue by 3.407€ per dependent, per annum (2017).

Your annual taxe d’habitation may also be reduced if your dependent is over the age of 70, lives with you and in the previous year had a declared taxable income below 10.697€ (16.409€ for two people: 2017).

The list of de-taxed installations is a long one, so get in touch to check if your planned works are eligible – info@frenchadminsolutions.com

by Jo-Ann Howell at French Admin Solutions who helps expats settle into life in France.

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Every European country has its own rich history and culture, making a continental tour one of those once-in-a-lifetime treks you’ll relive at dinner tables for years to come.

However, pack the wrong stuff and you’ll find yourself recounting tales of inconvenience, irritation and downright frustration. That’s why we’ve pulled together this essentials list of things you can’t afford to leave behind.

First-off, unless you’re planning a very naturist approach to travelling, picking the right clothes should be at the very top of your to do list. As any trekker will tell you, uncomfortable or inappropriate clothing can be anything from mildly annoying to genuinely dangerous in harsh weather conditions.

The time of year and particular locations you’re going to will inevitably have an impact, yet during all seasons you need to make sure you stay warm at night and when in places of high altitude. This is why a water-resistant jacket and lightweight fleece are vital to have on you, alongside a scarf and hat. It’s worth bringing two pairs of gloves in case one gets wet.

For the rest of your clothes, bear in mind that cotton and nylon blends tend to dry quicker, a useful asset given that you’ll want to carry as few items as possible. Try to pick tops and trousers that are also adaptable: for instance, long sleeve shirts that roll up easily can double up as short-sleeves for hotter climates, whereas light trousers with zips can become shorts. Avoid jeans altogether, they’re too heavy and dry very slowly.

When it comes to money, although not everyone uses Euros it’s still best to keep your currency in them, as all countries will be able to exchange them if necessary. Most importantly, get a money belt or neck wallet to put them in and keep the pouch hidden under your shirt – security concerns aside, it brings you peace of mind as well.

For documents, your passport is still worth having even if you’re staying within the Schengen area, as the rules could change at a moment’s notice. Alongside this a driver’s licence, student ID, hostel membership card and extra passport photos are all worth bringing.

One vital document you cannot leave behind is your European Health Insurance Card, which enables you access to state-provided care at a reduced or free cost within the European Economic Area. No one thinks they’ll fall ill when they begin their journey, but you have to be prepared just in case.

When it comes to toiletries, you don’t need to be told to get your toothpaste, shampoo and other usual products in order. However, it’s worth branching out with some common medicines and vitamins, as well as a first aid kit in case you come unstuck in the wild. A sewing kit also becomes incredibly handy when clothes get ripped, whereas a washing line will be a Godsend when you’ve run out of radiator space.

Of course these are just your essentials – there will be more things to take that could be useful at given times. But always remember that everything in that backpack needs to be carried across an entire continent. As far as you can, keep it as light as possible.

The post Top essentials to take with you when travelling throughout Europe appeared first on The Good Life France.

France is a beautiful country full of exceptional wonder and beauty. For many of us, it’s right on our doorstep as members of the EU, and for everyone else it’s well worth the trip. The only problem with international travel is that if you forget something, it’s much harder to go home and pick it up. Preparedness is key to ensuring that you have the perfect trip you’re looking for. With that in mind, here are some of the essentials you need when travelling to France.

Passport
Your passport is obviously the number one thing you simply cannot forget. You can’t leave your country without it and you can’t get into France if you lose it. Remember that most passports are only good for 10 years, and that it can take some time to get a new one if yours is out of dates. Make sure that your passport is still valid, and that you keep it on your person. You don’t need to worry about taking your passport with you while out and about in France – if you want to keep it safe when out and about, simply ask to leave it at the hotel’s reception when you leave for the day.

Tickets & reservations
Your tickets are obviously very important too. If you’re in the UK you’ll have a choice of plane, ferry or train, helping you keep your options open as to how you get to France. If you’re travelling from further afield you may need book your flights further in advance to ensure that you can travel when you want to. Remember to book your hotels in advance too – Paris, like all major cities, can book up fairly quickly.

Your car insurance (if you’re driving)
If you’re driving a car registered in the UK or the EU, you need to make sure that you have your national car insurance certificate with you should the worst happen. Just make sure that your insurance provider covers you for accidents abroad. If you’re travelling to France from a non-EU country you may need a green card. Make sure you look into this before you travel if you’re looking to hire a car or drive in France.

Euros, chargers and a champagne stopper
The Euro, as you may know, is the currency used in France. While you’re getting your Euros there are a couple of other things you may want to grab, such as a travel adaptor and a guide book. There are plenty of apps you can get offering guides, tours and maps too, so don’t forget to check! One thing to remember is that in France you have access to a plentiful supply of cheap champagne. If champagne is your thing, don’t forget to bring a champagne stopper in your luggage.

Medication
People get sick – that’s just a fact of life. If you find yourself prone to headaches, diarrhoea, hayfever or anything else you would normally take medication for, it’s a good idea to stock up on these before you leave. It’s better to have a not need, than need and have to head to a foreign pharmacy and test your French while you’re ill.

EHIC
As a European in Europe, an EHIC is utterly indispensable when it comes to emergency healthcare. Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will allow you access to state-funded healthcare, potentially saving you a lot of money should an accident befall you. Your EHIC is also very important when it comes to extreme sports, too. If you’re off skiing, snowboarding or rock climbing in France, you will probably find that your private health insurance states that you need a valid EHIC in order for you to be fully covered. Find out how to apply for an EU health card here.

A sense of adventure
Whether you’re heading to the Louvre or relaxing on a beach in Biarritz, a sense of adventure is a must. With everything else taken care of, it’s time to make your final preparations. Pack your bags, write up your itinerary and get ready for your travels to France. Bon voyage!

The post The Essentials Needed on your Travels to France appeared first on The Good Life France.

When planning your move to France you need to consider your own and your family’s healthcare needs in terms of cover but as to provision, the French healthcare service has been recognised by the WHO (World Healthcare Organisation) as one of the best National Health Service (NHS) systems in the world. Life expectancy in France (currently an average of 81.4 years) is longer than many other countries and serious diseases are given special treatment and financial aid.

In many countries private full cover insurance is regarded as far better than the local NHS and many people consider it is necessary to ensure quality healthcare. In France this is definitely not the case; in comparison private full cover medical insurance for residents hardly exists.

This is the upside, the downside is that maintaining such a high level of service is expensive and the patient is expected to pay a share of the cost. To cope with such a level of care, a system of paying and being reimbursed a proportion of the costs, according to the specific treatment, is in place.  In France having top-up medical insurance that dovetails with the state system is common.  It aims to cover the difference between the cost of treatment and the French NHS’s system (and rate) of reimbursement.

Help with the practicalities of healthcare in France for expats

There are many variables in your options but one thing is clear – healthcare is generally not free for expats. You may need to take out a health insurance plan or top up plan and it is important that you know what you need – hospital cover, GP cover, dental cover etc . We have lots of information to help you understand what cover is available and what is best for you.

For more information:

UK issued European Healthcare Insurance Card

How to find a doctor in France

Registering with a doctor in France

Carte Vitale – what it covers and how to get a Carte Vitale

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Sue is from Kent in the south of England where she worked in education and the Probation Service before retiring. She and her husband Bob, an ex-Police officer moved to Pas de Calais in 2006. The couple had visited the area often and fell in love with the pace of life, the beautiful countryside and the house which they rented for holidays. When the owners decided to sell Sue and Bob leaped at the chance to buy it and have never looked back.

Sue says that the village where they live is small, “only 200 inhabitants, six of whom are permanent English residents. We have been welcomed into the village and take part in all the activities. Bob has even been “Pere Noel” a couple of times and is on the bureau of one of the village associations.”

Sue has had first-hand experience of the health care system and says it “has been amazing.”

“Because my grandmother had had breast cancer, my mother ovarian cancer, my uncle prostate cancer and two of his daughters, my cousins, also had breast cancer, one of whom died at the age of 46 and the surviving sister had positively tested for BRCA2, I had been having yearly screenings for the last five years and had thought about getting genetically tested previously but had done nothing about it. In October 2010 my lovely French gynaecologist encouraged me to go for genetic testing. In January 2011 I went to the Centre Oscar Lambret at Lille and was seen by the Onco-geneticist, who explained about the testing and my options if I tested positive. I would strongly suggest that if you go for an appointment like this take an interpreter because I got a touch of “white coat syndrome” and found it difficult to understand English, let alone French, thankfully my hubby understood what was said. The blood test was done and I was asked to supply a copy of my cousin’s results to assist with the analysis. I was told at the consultation that my first blood test was positive. I had been expecting it but it still came as a shock. The Onco-geneticist spoke to me very gently about my options again and was very kind.

“I made an appointment to see a gynaecologist at CHAM, Rang du Fliers, regarding the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes and bonus, this time, the consultant spoke perfect English. He arranged for me to go in for my op, all went well and I recuperated well. With regard to the risk of breast cancer, I was opting to have yearly MRI’s but then considered the mastectomy and chatted about that with the gynaecologist.

“Well, I made the decision in September 2011 to go ahead with my double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction by expander implants. I went to meet my surgeon, who explained all the pros and cons for having or not having such surgery. He initially stated that it was mutilation of a healthy body but my mind was made up, I could not sit and wait with this time bomb hanging over me. I went into hospital in May 2012 and had the double mastectomy. All of my breast tissue was removed and then expanding implants were put behind my pectoral muscles. All went well – what an amazing team of people they are at Centre Oscar Lambret. Throughout the summer last year I went every fortnight from June to August to have my expanders filled with saline, the surgeon locates the small valve on the implants and then uses a syringe to fill the implants, little by little, until I was at my optimum size. My breasts were then left to settle and the reconstruction operation took place in January 2013, this is done by removing the expander implants and putting the permanent implants in their place. Finally I had my nipples formed and tattooing done under local anaesthetic on 5th July. I have never had a moment of doubt about the decision I made. “

We asked Sue if she had any particular issues – language for instance?

“I did occasionally have problems with the language, particularly when it was a stressful situation, i.e. getting the news that I carried the gene. But overall I have found that I am able to get by with the French language that I have learnt through classes we had in the UK and also we have a weekly class in the village. The staff at the hospitals I have been to have been amazingly patient and very caring.”

Sue adds that she also felt supported by advice from outside France, and for an English language expat this has been extremely helpful.

“Throughout my journey I have been very fortunate to have had the help and advice from the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline, based in the UK and run 24/7 by Wendy Watson. She was the first woman to have preventative surgery because of her family history, 20 years ago. Wendy gives advice about all the options available to women (and men) who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutant genes and other mutant genes.  The helpline also has a Facebook page and I am the admin for the Northern France group.”

Note: You can find more information on the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene and testing here: http://www.breastcancergenetics.co.uk./ and also http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Breastcancer/Pages/Breastcancergenes.aspx

More on expat healthcare in France

More on Doctors and Hospitals in France

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1.  Health Insurance is widely known as ‘complementary’:

As you are required to cover any difference between what the state pays and the total cost of treatment, French residents often take out an insurance policy to cover themselves. This is known as complementary, or top up, health insurance (see our feature What is Top Up Insurance for a clear explanation). The difficulty comes when deciding who to insure yourself with, as there are well over 1,000 providers of complementary medical insurance in France. Buy generic pills online safely from satisfaction guaranteed.

2.  There are two different types of insurer:

The two different types of provider of complementary health insurance are mutuelles and the commercial insurers (more on this subject in our Expat Guide to Medical Insurance in France. The difference being that mutuelles are non-profit organisations whereas commercial providers are not. Whilst premiums are not radically different between these two types of insurer, it can be important to understand the underlying philosophy of the provider before you take out a policy.

3. Extra cover is important, but will raise premiums significantly:

French complementary cover has been described as ‘weak’ in the past. There are a number of options that come as extras to a policy which may be expected to be included elsewhere. For example, to avoid the costs of unexpected trips to the hospital, it is important to take out cover against hospitalisation.

This is not the only thing that only comes as an extra, out-patient cover and routine trips to a GP or specialist will also set you back more money than you might expect.

4. Are you comfortable with dealing with health insurers in a foreign language?

It may seem obvious, but having a good understanding of the French language can be very helpful to ensure you get the cover you require. Health insurance policies can be difficult enough to understand in your own language let alone one that you find difficult to comprehend.

5. If you are retiring to France, will your requirements change?

If you are moving to France in order to retire there, it will be worth thinking about the health cover that you may require as you grow older. With advancing age, requirements that you have not considered can become vitally important, so it is important to think thoroughly about what you might need in future before you purchase health insurance.

This advice from a health insurance professional aims to help you gain peace of mind when considering moving to France. These are just five key points relating to a very large industry in France. However, they represent the main things to consider when choosing a health insurance provider, especially if you are considering retirement in France.

The post Five Things To Consider When Choosing Medical Insurance in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

For those who are hoping to start a new life in France, concerns over future healthcare needs will certainly be at the forefront of their minds. If you are travelling from a country where free healthcare is almost guaranteed – as in the UK – into a new system, and possibly at an age when health concerns will become more readily apparent, there can be a great deal of confusion.

If you are looking to settle in France, it is useful to know a few things about the French healthcare system. Firstly, it is important to state that they have one of the most pioneering and developed healthcare systems in the world, consistently emerging at a higher level than Britain when rated by national health agencies. With fewer restrictions on new medication and hospitals free of MRSA, expatriates in France could find a better level of service than they may have previously experienced.

However, restrictions to the health budget in recent years have delivered some changes to the French health system that are worth considering when looking at expatriate health insurance. A retiree from the UK with a state pension can expect to have healthcare costs covered by the E121/S1, and those claiming benefits in the UK can have their bills paid for two and a half years through the E106/S1, but you’ll find that there’s more to it than that. Generic drugs difference treatments anti anxiety pills, ED pills and more.

It can be difficult even for French nationals to receive free healthcare and a top up form of insurance to make up a potential short fall in costs versus cover is common.

The E121/S1 and E106/S1 documentation allows British expats in France to apply for the CMU Scheme (Couverture Maladie Universelle), wherein pre-existing medical conditions are disregarded. Working expats are taxed at six to seven per cent of income to pay for this.

Since 2007 it has become a requirement for British expats to contribute to the healthcare system in France, although certain illnesses and situations are exempt from payment. For those UK expats who do not qualify for the above schemes or documentation, it is strongly recommended to take out a personal health insurance policy in order to have access to healthcare.

A new initiative among health insurance providers to expats revolves around an understanding of local healthcare when abroad and some have tools which enable customers to find local doctors and offices supported by their policies.

There are a wide variety of policies available from leading providers internationally. Budget policies often don’t cover anything outside of hospital; however more comprehensive cover will include outpatient cover. There are a number of providers that will deliver expat cover for a range of different requirements, including AXA PPP, Bupa and Allianz, aiming to help deliver peace of mind as you begin your new life in France.

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In surveys which rate the national health service of countries worldwide, the French healthcare system consistently comes out near the top. The World Health Organisation has said that France has one of the best performing systems in the world in terms of availability and organisation of health care providers.

That said, the organisation of healthcare in France for expats from anywhere else can seem overly complex and difficult to navigate.

Outside of hospitals, most health professionals, including doctors are self-employed.  They charge a visitation fee to their patient and the patient has this partly refunded by the French healthcare system and partly by voluntary insurance (if they have it).

In order to be eligible for reimbursement, patients must register with a primary care doctor who will be required to maintain medical records (something that has not been a requirement previously).

How the French healthcare system works

1. There is a state controlled health insurance social security system – l’assurance maladie (website for Assurance Maladie). This provides for some reimbursement of charges to patients.

2. There is a voluntary health insurance system called assurance complémentaire. Also known as “top-up” insurance and provided by private insurance companies and non-profit mutual companies (called Mutuels). This provides for the “rest” of the charges to the patient. When we say “the rest” – that amount depends on the level of cover that you take out with your “top-up” insurance; this is not a mandatory requirement.

In order to be able to access the health service in France, and thereby receive reimbursement of costs, you need to be registered with l’assurance maladie (expat eligibility for state healthcare).

l’assurance maladie is comprised of a number of different insurance funds which operate under Government supervision which bears the financial responsibility.

The main health insurance fund is a General Fund called the Régime Général that covers about 85% of the population working in industry and commerce, as well as the unemployed and those retired and not affiliated to another fund, e.g. retired expatriates

Within the Régime Général there is a health insurance fund for those not affiliated through business or employment. This is called the Couverture maladie universelle (CMU) and is the system for retired expatriates.

At a local level the General Fund is administered by the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM). They have offices throughout France in most major towns.

For the self-employed including self-employed expats in France there is a separate State controlled insurance scheme called Régime Social des Indépendants (RSI). They have regional offices and any healthcare enquiries for the self-employed go through them rather than through the local CPAM office.

For those employed in other areas of work not covered by the Regime General or CMU there are separate health insurance funds for agricultural workers and specialist professions, such as doctors and civil servants.

If you are an expat employed in France your employer will take charge of your registration with the correct department.

We have lots of helpful guides for visitors and expats in France just click on the healthcare section for more information.

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