health care

[Nick Lamb]

Please could someone clarify the health care situation of UK nationals retiring to France. We are a couple of early retirees in our 50s. I understand we will get some healthcare but need to take out an insurance policy to cover a proportion of health costs. I am having difficulty finding any guidance on how much this is likely to cost. Can anyone help? We are planning on moving to France next summer and I am trying to work out all our costs before we actually make the move.
Thank you
Nick

[Bevdeforges]

As I understand it, you're entitled to French health care for a "transition" period of time on arrival in France. (Up to two years.) You need to get a form (S-1?) from the UK health care authority, showing that you are eligible for the UK system based on residence, payment of social insurance charges, etc. When that transition coverage runs out, you need to carry private health insurance with coverage roughly equal to the French national system.

On reaching retirement age in the UK, you should get another S-1 form validating your eligibility for health care based on the UK retirement system - and this will allow you to use the French system as any retiree.

The trick in all this is that your eligibility for the French system is based on your UK eligibility, and all medical costs will be ultimately billed back to the UK. You will be reimbursed under the French system - and so it's advisable to have a mutuelle to cover the difference.

For an idea of what the private coverage will cost, take a look at the rates sheets on the AARO website. AARO?s Health Care Program for Expatriate America Though you're not eligible for AARO membership (unless you have ties to the US), the rate sheets give you some idea of the pricing. You can contact the AARO insurance broker (the ad on the lower right side of that page) for more information, as they represent a number of insurance companies with health care coverage.
Cheers,
Bev

[tinabee]

Originally Posted by Nick Lamb

Please could someone clarify the health care situation of UK nationals retiring to France. We are a couple of early retirees in our 50s. I understand we will get some healthcare but need to take out an insurance policy to cover a proportion of health costs. I am having difficulty finding any guidance on how much this is likely to cost. Can anyone help? We are planning on moving to France next summer and I am trying to work out all our costs before we actually make the move.
Thank you
Nick

To qualify for an S1 form from the UK you would need to have paid enough National Insurance contributions during the 2-3 years before your move. You would need to contact the DWP to find out your eligibility. Otherwise, your only option is full private healthcare insurance which I understand would cost around 3000 euros per person per year.

If you do qualify for an S1 form then top-up health insurance (or mutuelle) will cost much less. You can find out how much on this comparison website

Assurance : comparateur assurance et devis assurance - comparatif gratuit d'assurance

[rynd2it]

Originally Posted by Nick Lamb

Please could someone clarify the health care situation of UK nationals retiring to France. We are a couple of early retirees in our 50s. I understand we will get some healthcare but need to take out an insurance policy to cover a proportion of health costs. I am having difficulty finding any guidance on how much this is likely to cost. Can anyone help? We are planning on moving to France next summer and I am trying to work out all our costs before we actually make the move.
Thank you
Nick

Bev's summary is bang on for S1 - for top up or complete coverage I recommend you contact Catherine Lewis at ARCC in Bordeaux. It's an English company with a wide range of options. She sorted ours out very efficiently and have been very helpful ever since


Cheers

[Bethel]

Originally Posted by tinabee

To qualify for an S1 form from the UK you would need to have paid enough National Insurance contributions during the 2-3 years before your move. You would need to contact the DWP to find out your eligibility. Otherwise, your only option is full private healthcare insurance which I understand would cost around 3000 euros per person per year.

If you do qualify for an S1 form then top-up health insurance (or mutuelle) will cost much less. You can find out how much on this comparison website

I know this post is a few months old, but if someone could get back to me I'd be eternally grateful.

Does anyone know roughly how much you need to have paid in National insurance contributions during the 2-3 years before you move to France in order for you to be eligible for an S1 form?

On all the websites I've checked (which is many), it just says you need to have paid 'sufficient contributions' - but this is v. unhelpful.

I have paid national insurance for about the period of a year on a part time basis before moving to France - would I be eligible? Is it worth even attempting to apply for an S1?

Hope to here from someone soon,
Many thanks and best wishes to all,

Bethel

[rynd2it]

Originally Posted by Bethel

I know this post is a few months old, but if someone could get back to me I'd be eternally grateful.

Does anyone know roughly how much you need to have paid in National insurance contributions during the 2-3 years before you move to France in order for you to be eligible for an S1 form?

On all the websites I've checked (which is many), it just says you need to have paid 'sufficient contributions' - but this is v. unhelpful.

I have paid national insurance for about the period of a year on a part time basis before moving to France - would I be eligible? Is it worth even attempting to apply for an S1?

Hope to here from someone soon,
Many thanks and best wishes to all,

Bethel

Just call Newcastle and they will tell you - they are very helpful

Cheers