Health Insurance advice required

[mizzerp]

Hello everyone,

Myself and my partner are considering moving to France from the UK, but I have a diagnosed medial condition that I have already had a couple of operations for. Obviously in the UK I get them done free on the NHS, but if I move to France and am working full time I am assuming that only 70% of it would be paid by the state and 30% I would have to pay myself as health insurance would not cover any pre-existing conditions? And if I do not find work, would I not be elligible for any state health benefit at all?

I would be very grateful if anyone knows a bit about all this so I can get it clearer in my head!

Thanks!

[Bevdeforges]

If you're working and have a mutuelle (which is the "private" top-up insurance) there should be no exclusions for "pre-existing conditions" in your coverage. Many, if not most employers here in France offer a mutuelle coverage for their employees - and it's the same price for all. You do have to pay for each person covered, so if your partner is covered on your mutuelle, you pay for two coverages - but the employer normally splits the total premium for both the employee and his or her dependents.

Routine doctors appointments, treatments and lab work are paid for by the patient and then reimbursed by the Sécu and your mutuelle, directly to your bank account. Hospital stays or operations are generally paid for directly by the sécu and your mutuelle, though you may have to get pre-approval if you want treatment through a private hospital or a doctor who is "non-agréé" (i.e. who charges more than the sécu table norms).

It's actually quite a good system.
Cheers,
Bev

[mizzerp]

Goodness that is a good system! Thats very useful to know!

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by mizzerp

Hello everyone,

And if I do not find work, would I not be elligible for any state health benefit at all?

I would be very grateful if anyone knows a bit about all this so I can get it clearer in my head!

Thanks!

Hi!

If you have been working in GB, and can bring an E106, you will be covered in France ( for the basic Health Insurance ) for 2 years. After that then you have to bring a private equivalent Health Insurance if you are not working.

However if you try to get a top-up on your own, your precondition may well be considered.

Most operations costs are normally covered 100% ( except hospital stay, and single rooms).

For life endangering illnesses,if it is recognised, you get 100% coverage ( apart minor franchises ). That has to be asked for starting at the level of you " médecin traitant " ( the doctor you have chosen ).

Yours,

giantpanda

[Bevdeforges]

Originally Posted by mizzerp

And if I do not find work, would I not be elligible for any state health benefit at all?

It may be possible for your partner to put you on his sécu coverage and to include you in his mutuelle - if he is working. Easier if you are married or PACS'ed.
Cheers,
Bev