Navigating healthcare access for foreign retirees in France
France, known for its excellent healthcare system, attracts many foreign retirees with its picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and renowned healthcare services. However, can expatriate retirees in France access this healthcare system? Find out more in this article!
Foreign retirees in France: how to access medical care?
France is renowned for its universal healthcare system, which operates under the principle of Social Security. Foreign retirees from France, whether from the European Union (EU) or other countries, can access high-quality healthcare through this system.
Foreign pensioners from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), or countries with social security agreements with France typically qualify for Couverture maladie universelle (CMU) or Complémentaire santé solidaire (formerly CMU-C), which ensures access to healthcare services. Retired EU citizens can also obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their home health insurance fund before relocating to France. This card provides medical coverage during temporary stays in other EU countries.
For foreign retirees from non-EU countries or those not eligible for CMU/Complémentaire santé solidaire, private health insurance is often required to cover medical expenses. It is crucial to take out suitable insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage. The cost of private health insurance for a foreign retiree in France can vary considerably, depending on factors such as age, state of health, desired level of coverage, and insurance provider. Private health insurance premiums also depend on the length of stay in France and the specifics of the contract chosen. It is, therefore, difficult to provide a precise figure, as rates can vary from a few hundred to several thousand euros per year.
Retirement in France: what are the health benefits?
France provides several benefits to foreign retirees who decide to reside here, especially in terms of healthcare. The French healthcare system is highly regarded for its quality, offering access to advanced medical services, specialized doctors, and modern equipment. The country boasts over 1,300 public hospitals, operated and funded by the state, alongside numerous private clinics.
However, there are healthcare deserts in France, particularly in rural areas, in towns, and cities. Depending on your circumstances, you may encounter challenges in accessing a general practitioner or specialized medical care.
Foreign retirees in France should select a general practitioner (médecin traitant) to oversee their medical needs. This step is crucial for optimal reimbursement under the French social security system. To choose a GP, simply ask the doctor you prefer if they can serve as your médecin traitant. The process can be completed online directly through the doctor.
Good to know:
The pandemic has led to the widespread use of online medicine in France. Several platforms, such as Doctolib and Qare, enable you to make an appointment quickly with a GP or other specialist (general medicine is also a specialty) for an online or in-office consultation. It's much better than waiting hours in the emergency room!
Even with health insurance, certain medical expenses may not be fully covered. Having complementary health insurance (mutuelle) can assist in covering these additional costs. Depending on your income and affiliation with the French social security system, you might qualify for the Complémentaire santé solidaire scheme.
In many cases, you won't need to pay medical expenses upfront. Through third-party payment, you only pay the portion not reimbursed by Assurance Maladie and, if applicable, your complementary health insurance (mutuelle). Starting November 1, 2023, a consultation with a sector 1 general practitioner (Social Security rates, without extra charges) will cost 26.50 euros, up from 25 euros. Fees will increase to 31.50 euros (up from 30 euros) for a consultation with a sector 2 doctor (with limited fee overruns).
Retirement in France: how do I get reimbursed for medical expenses?
The French healthcare system requires some administrative formalities to obtain reimbursement, including registration with a health insurance fund and receiving a health insurance card (carte vitale). Foreign retirees must be prepared to provide the necessary documents and meet the deadlines. To apply for entitlement, you must complete the Cerfa S1106 form and send it to the health insurance organization in your residence, together with the supporting documents required according to your situation.
If you are covered by health insurance and need to pay for treatment, you will typically receive prompt reimbursement directly into your bank account. Procedures vary among private insurers: some pay healthcare providers directly if they partner with them.
In contrast, others require upfront payment and then reimburse according to their timelines. The reimbursement rate depends on the terms of your insurance contract; generally, more expensive insurance plans offer higher reimbursement rates.
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