6th September 2010
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Healthcare in France

France Healthcare Topic Host Peter OwenHealthcare in France and expat health insurance is a big and complicated topic. Our aim with these pages is to guide people through the maze, especially if you are new to the French health system. If you can't find the information you are looking for please get in touch (sorry I'm not a doctor so don't ask about medical problems!). Likewise we welcome all contributions about healthcare in France.
Peter Owen
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Health Forum

Discussion forum about France & French property
The FrenchEntrée Health Forum is a great place to read and post adverts on health and social welfare issues in France. Visit the Health Forum

Private Health Insurance in France

private health insurance pic large
All new immigrants to France who do not hold an E121 or E106 and do not plan to work in France, will need to have private health insurance to cover their medical costs. Here's what you need to know before you buy...

*Private health insurance explained

* How to choose private health insurance

* Private health insurance companies

Healthcare France FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the commonly asked questions about French healthcare and health insurance more...

E106 holders beware if working in the UK

This is a warning to those who hold E106s, not as early retirees, but who are resident in France, work in the UK and pay income tax and National Insurance contributions on these earnings in the UK... more...

How to appeal - and complain - to CPAM

If you have a complaint or are unhappy with the decision taken by CPAM, you can appeal... more...

French Medical Terminology

French health terminology
An A-Z from English to French covering Parts of the body, General problems, Signs and symptoms more...

Emergency Numbers

firstaid

Here's who you need to call in an emergency more...

Site Map

Complete listing of site contents: Site Map

Latest Total France Health and Welfare Forum Postings

HEALTHCARE IN FRANCE

One of France's greatest assets is its state health system. Read on to discover how it works and what you need to do to obtain the right level of care and insurance. Plus, keep updated with the latest health stories as well as first-hand accounts of people who have used the system

+++++ LATEST STORIES +++++

Find out what's new in the French health system...

Alleviate the financial pain

Concerned about a loss of autonomy?A recent survey conducted by France-Info and Le Monde revealed that more than half of us are ‘concerned’ by the prospect of losing our autonomy. Charles M. Wilson, Chairman of Exclusive Healthcare, suggests how an appropriate health insurance policy could help safeguard our independence. more...

Sun protection for children

Having fun in the sunIn hot weather, children can easily get sunburned if their delicate skin is not adequately protected from the sun’s rays. Bear in mind that general advice is to wear sunscreen every day of the year. Cancer Research UK has launched a ‘SunSmart’ campaign to remind us that whilst “Sunburn fades, sun damage lasts”. Here’s how best to prevent youngsters from overdoing it on holiday.more...

Changes to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) System

family health illustration largeYou may probably have already received, or will be receiving in the near future, a letter and application form from the Overseas Healthcare Team of the UK Pensions Service entitled: “About the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from 1 May 2010”. Here, experts from Exclusive Healthcare explain the changes... more...

Health insurance: a visa requirement

Do you require a visa?For members of the EU, like British citizens, there is no need for a specific visa to stay and work in France. EU citizens will, however, still need health insurance if they are planning to live permanently in France. For non-EU citizens, the French government requires a valid health insurance certificate as a prerequisite to obtaining a visa. more...

Diabetes in France

Diabetes in FranceIn 2008, Roger and Agnes Williams relocated to France from west Wales. One of the main benefits has been better health care options for their four-year-old son, Ioan, who has type 1 diabetes. more...

Complementary Health Insurance - "Contrats Responsables"

Health insurance coverOutside the insurance industry itself, health insurance policies that are defined as “contrats responsables” are probably not well understood or even known. It is worth having some knowledge of such plans because it may affect your choice of provider for “top up” insurance. more...

Welfare survival tips to help you through hard times

Life lineMany UK people in France are experiencing hard times. It’s called the financial crisis, but there are also significant social effects. The poor £/Euro exchange has hit pensioners living on fixed incomes and also those relying on investment income. Here, experts from Exclusive Healthcare have put together some "survival tips" to help you through hard times... more...

The “E” Forms and Dependent Beneficiary Status Explained

Health Insurance Forms Since the start of the year there have been some significant changes to the health insurance procedures. Here Larry Fulton of Exclusive Healthcare gives us an update on who qualifies for which benefits via "E" forms and explains how Dependent Beneficiary Status works... more...

Choosing Complementary Health Insurance in France

Health InsuranceJanuary 1st is the usual date when renewals for complementary health insurance policies become due. Our Health Topic Host Peter Owen, gives us his advice on choosing a provider... more...

Recent changes to the French welfare system

pills needle money healthIn recent months there have been a number of significant changes to the French health system... more...

How changes in French health law are affecting expatriates

MedicineThe changes apply to all residents of France of whatever nationality including French nationals who suffer the same reductions in healthcare support as, for instance, a person holding an E121 etc... more...

Does your E121 or E106 form also give your partner healthcare cover in France?

couple by the sea smallYou plan to live in France under and E121 or E106 form - will your partner be covered? And is there a difference between those who are married and those who co-habit? Your questions answered... more...

Osteopathy in France

hands massageOsteopathy has been a negelcted part of the French health system, but all that is set to change... more...

Osteoporosis scans now covered by CPAM

osteoporosis bone smallOsteoporosis affects women as they get older. Until now those at risk in France have had to pay for their treatment - but this has recently changed. Here is what you need to know about getting reimbursement for your osteoporosis treatment more...

+++++ REAL LIFE STORIES +++++

What is is like to use the health system in France? Read these first-hand accounts

First Hand Experience of the French Health System

“It wasn’t like this in the UK”

French Health SystemYou’ve all heard great things about the French Health system which is reputed to be the best in the world. In this article, one of our contributors relates a first hand tale of medical treatment received – readers can draw their own comparisons with the UK.more...

'First I discovered I had cancer - then that I was being ejected from the healthcare system...'

pat and tony smallWithin weeks of the French government announcement that it was restricting expat access to the state healthcare system, Pat Ackland discovered she had cancer. Here, she and husband Tony detail their fight to get the ruling changed and their own personal ordeal more...

Having a baby in France

babyPregnancy in France does involve a fair amount of prodding, poking and pricking and many more scans and check ups than in the UK, says Louise Sayers. But she wouldn't have it any other way.more...

Cancer Support In France

rose dust smallA short time after moving to France, Linda Shepherd discovered she had breast cancer. The following months were deeply traumatic - but today she is using her experience to help others through the association Cancer Support France
more...

A Tale of Two Heart Attacks

heart attack graphFriends for 40 years, George and Bob each suffered a heart attack within one week of the other. George lives in France while Bob lives in the UK. Their subsequent treatment was very different. more...

+++++ HELPFUL BOOKS +++++

If you want to know more, these books will help

Special Offer!

Glossary of French Medical & Health Terms Our price: £11.88 (Normal price:£12.50)
Over 3000 medical, health and pharmacy terms in French and in English. The Glossary covers a wide range of common illnesses and diseases, anatomical terms, first-aid and hospital terms, as well as pharmacy terms...
Author: Alan S. Lindsey
Buy it here!
Thanks to our advertisers and sponsors below - their support enables this site to remain free for all visitors.
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AXA PPP healthcare is right there with you
AXA Private HealthcareEnjoy the worldwide reassurance of great British healthcare. Join us now and get up to two months cover free.
Need French healthcare?
Essential HealthcareTop ups to French "NHS" medical cover for both expatriate residents and short to medium term EHIC holders visiting France, ideal for Holiday Home owners. Learn More
Need insurance in France?
Mondassur logoMondassur compares and finds the health insurance in France that suits your needs. International broker for health, car & home insurance in France. Get a free quote and more information...
French Insurance from English Speakers
Asttral insurance companyAll your Insurance requirements from an Independent Broker. Quotes supplied by Leading Insurers. Experienced English speaking team to help and advice. (Health, Cars, Property, Marine, Commercial, etc). Click here to get a quote and learn more about Asttral.
Health Insurance for Expatriates
Amariz - Healthcare for FranceAmariz Limited offers health insurance for expatriates living in France with a choice of 100%, hospitalisation and top-up cover. Visit our website for further details
Living or Coming to Live in France?
Help LineGet reliable information plus advice and support in English on a wide range of useful health related subjects from the Exclusive Healthcare National Helpline...
Save a fortune on currency exchange
Euro NotesIf you need advice or a currency exchange quote, make a no obligation enquiry to Moneycorp, FrenchEntrée's currency partner. Apply now to open a currency account.
Health in France Forum

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