Navigating The French Healthcare System As A UK Expat
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
We provide relevant, high quality and up-to-date advice to British Expats in France.
IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU WILL LEARN THE FOLLOWING:
How the French Healthcare System works
The process of obtaining a Carte Vitale
Tips for success when living in France
The importance of cross-border planning
If you are a British expat living in France, you can rest assured that you will have access to exceptional medical care, should you or your family ever need it. In fact, France is known for having one of the best healthcare services in the world. However, regulations and policies can be vastly different from the UK, and coupled with a potential language barrier, this system can seem slightly daunting and hard to navigate.
Our guide will help you understand the French healthcare system so that there is nothing preventing you from accessing the high-quality care available to you as an expat resident in France.
How The French Healthcare System Works
Whilst the French take pride in offering universal healthcare to everyone (including expatriates), it’s important to note that healthcare in France is not exactly ‘free’ and that it is a legal requirement for all residents to have some form of health insurance.
The healthcare system is supported by both private and public funding, through taxes, social charges, and insurance schemes.
Carte Vitale For Expats
After living in France for three months, expats may register for the public healthcare model, known as Sécurité Sociale. This can be done at your local health insurance office, or Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM). You will then receive your ‘Carte Vitale’, a card containing your social security information, which will give you access to France’s extensive health services.
Obtaining your Carte Vitale is a crucial step to your life in France as an Expat, and your integration into the healthcare system. This card will also enable you to receive reimbursements for services such as GP appointments, some prescriptions, and hospital visits. This essential card is also available on your mobile device, through the app ‘I’ApCV’.
You must present your Carte Vitale each time you use any medical service in order to be promptly reimbursed for part of the cost (usually within a week).
Whilst Your Carte Vitale will grant you access to basic medical coverage, it’s important to note that it will not cover the entire cost of some services. Every time you use a service, you will be reimbursed for some of the cost but left to pay a co-payment of anywhere between 10% - 40%.
Private Health Insurance In France
As the sécurité sociale scheme will only cover some of your medical expenses, it is advisable to explore private health insurance options, or assurance maladie. Many expats opt to go either fully private or use plans which are supplementary to the social system to elevate their coverage.
A supplementary plan or ‘mutuelle’ will help with the co-payments you will need to make for most medical services, whilst choosing a fully private insurance plan will mean a reduction in waiting times for care, easier access to English speaking doctors, as well as coverage for services not included in the social scheme such as dental care, eye care and some specialist or alternative treatments, and access to private hospital rooms.
There are many private health insurance plans available to British expats living in France, and their coverage can vary, so it’s important to do your research. Some reputable providers include AXA, Allianz, Bupa Global, April International, and Cigna Healthcare.
Tips For Understanding The French Healthcare System As A UK Expat
Some more tips to consider include:
01 Choose a GP
Finding and establishing a relationship with a General Practitioner you trust in France is essential. You will need to declare a primary doctor, or (médecin traitant) for most claims or reimbursements. If you need to find an English-speaking doctor, contact your local CPAM for options in your area.
02 Familiarise yourself with the emergency services
In France (and the rest of the EU), the number to call in case of emergencies is 112. You can also visit the emergency room in any local hospital
03 S1 Form For Pensioners
If you are a pensioner receiving a UK state pension, you may be able to obtain an ‘S1 form’ which could give you state healthcare in France, covered by the UK.
04 Consider learning some French
Whilst you may be able to find many doctors and practitioners who speak English, it’s worth familiarising yourself with even a little French medical vocabulary in case of any medical emergencies or unexpected situations where English may not be available.
Advice for British Expats in France
Whilst the French Healthcare system may seem complex, taking time to familiarise yourself with its vast and comprehensive services will bring reassurance and help you and your family settle into your life in France with peace of mind.
Healthcare is just one aspect that needs to be considered when moving to France. Whether you need guidance with pensions, tax-efficient investment or estate planning, The Wealth Genesis is here to help.
With advisers based in France, we specialise in helping British expats with their financial planning needs.
To understand how we can help you, book a free discovery call using the diary link below.
