French government's new decision on access to the French healthcare system for inactive citizens from other EU countries (14/12/07)
Due to the tremendous amount of confusion amongst the ex-pat population in France, we thought that it would help if we provided a temporary web page with our understanding of the latest position.
The British Embassy in Paris has published details of the understanding it has about how the changes to registration in the French health system will impact upon people
Its full statement reads:
Following representations made to the French government, we can confirm that the French Health Ministry has modified its decision regarding access to the French healthcare system for inactive citizens from other EU countries already residing in France.
According to the French Health Ministry's official revised statement and Q&A factsheet the position is:
- Inactive EU citizens already living in France and already registered and accessing healthcare via the CMU before 23 November 2007 will now be allowed to continue to do so
- After 5 years of "regular, uninterrupted residence" in France, an EU citizen qualifies as a permanent French resident and will therefore have access to healthcare via the CMU
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- We have ensured that the French authorities are fully aware of the specific circumstances of E106 holders already resident in France who do not have existing access to CMU and who may not be able to secure private health insurance for various reasons when their E106 expires. Following discussions to highlight the need for urgent clarification in cases where the E106 is due to expire imminently, we have been told that people will have the safeguard of essential immediate healthcare provision. We are expecting a response in the next few days from the Health Ministry to give further detail for people in these circumstances.
- As previously, people already over retirement age who are holders of an E121 which is registered with the French authorities will remain unaffected
This information is based on what we is currently know via the French authorities. We suggest individuals seek further information and advice on individual cases from one or more of the following
The French Social Security website.
CPAM - The French Health Service (English language service) : +33 8 20 90 42 12
CLEISS - (France's helpdesk for international mobility and social security):
11 rue de la tour des Dames
75436 Paris cedex 09
Tel: +33 1 45 26 33 41
DWP Overseas Medical Benefits helpline International Pension Centre
Room Tc001
Tyneview Park
Whitley Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE98 1BA
Tel: +44 (0) 191 218 1999
www.dh.gov.uk/travellers
Comment from HMA British Embassy, Paris: "We welcome and appreciate the French government's decision, following our representations, to allow inactive EU citizens living in France who already have access to healthcare via the CMU to continue to do so. This is good news which will bring relief to many British people living in France.
"However, we are aware that there are also British expatriates in France who are holders of E106 forms and therefore not in the CMU system"
"The Embassy has been in intensive discussions with the French Health Ministry about their situation. We have been told that this group will have the safeguard of essential immediate healthcare provision, and we hope that this information will be confirmed in the next few days."
We are able to offer top up insurance policies for those clients fully integrated into the French system, and private healthcare policies for those who are unable to qualify. Please e-mail Peter Elias via allez-francais@wanadoo.fr
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