French Healthcare - Important Changes
IMPORTANT changes to the French Healthcare System which could affect you...
EU directive 2004/38 transposed in France by law 24 juillet 2006 and decree 2007-371 dated 21 march 2007.
Firstly, these measures are applicable to all EU nationals resident in France and who have not reached retirement age or who are not entitled to either an E106 or A109 and who are not working (therefore classed as « inactive »).
For those already resident in France with a CMU (Couverture Maladie Universelle) by the previous legislation and classed as « inactive » : They have an extension of their CMU cover for a period of 6 months from the 1st of October 2007 to obtain a private medical cover unless their « inactive » status changes in the meantime.
For the new « inactive » comers : They will be required to have their own private medical insurance before or on arrival in France.
For the E106 – E109 – E121 holders : On arrival in France, they should register with the French Authorities CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurances Maladie).
To find your local CPAM, click on the following link
www.ameli.fr/assures/votre-caisse/index.php and type your French post code.
They will be covered by the State healthcare and can subscribe to a personal top up plan.
For those who work (employed or self employed) and are up to date with their social charges, they are automatically covered by the State healthcare, they can subscribe to a personal top up plan.
My words of advice : For the people who have so far been undecided about registring their business in France, it could be the time to do it.
Useful telephone number : CPAM English speaking help line 0820 90 42 12
Agence EATON- Nationwide bilingual insurers Tel 0297 40 80 20
For information on Private and Top up plans
By Léna EATON, Agence EATON – Nationwide bilingual Insurers Tel +33 (0) 297 40 80 20
www.french-insurance.com