Living in France
This article is for people who are currently living in France or would like to live in or move to France.
The number of people who enjoy private healthcare insurance in France is 84% of the population. Healthcare costs are approximately 9.9% of GDP. Most schemes only cover risks not covered by the main social scheme, and they usually cover that part of medical expenses that are not refunded under the state scheme. Many plans also offer cash allowance benefits in case of temporary or permanent disability.
Private healthcare is available through two types of hospitals: private hospitals, called cliniques, which are managed like a company, and public hospitals - hospitals pubiques. Approximately 99.6% of the population benefits from social coverage with 84% of people effecting private supplementary healthcare coverage.
Expats working in France on a salaried basis will be required to be part of the social security arrangement. So the employer will have the choice of either providing health insurance which is supplemental to the expatriates state entitlement under French law or, alternatively, paying for a separate and totally private arrangement. However, this cost will be in addition to cost paid to the social security scheme.
A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers coming from South American and African countries.
Visitors to forested areas should consider vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. On presentation of Form E111 (which must not be more than 12 months old to avoid the possibility of bureaucratic non-acceptance) at an office of the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (Sickness Insurance Office), UK citizens are entitled to a refund of 75 per cent or more of charges incurred for dental and medical (including hospital) treatments and around 35-65 per cent of charges incurred for prescribed medicines. Application forms for Form E111 are obtainable from post offices. The standard of medical facilities and practitioners in France is very high but so are the fees, and health insurance is recommended - even for UK citizens.
If you are an expat living in France or have plans to live or move to France, we can give you independent advice or a range of free Health Insurance Quotes; click for Free Advice and Quotes.
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