In section b) below we explain the procedure for gaining access to the French Health System and in section 1a) The current situation regarding health cover in France:

1a) French government's posted a statement on the Social Security website 8.02.2008 which roughly translated indicates the following position.

1. Those classified a "inactifs" and already affiliated and paying into CMU will be able to stay in the CMU.

2. The statement says that EU Nationals who were resident in France before 23rd November 2007, and hold, or have held, a form E106, will entitled to affiliate to CMU - b.

3. All future arrivals in France will have to arrange health cover upon or before their arrival in France if they are classified as "inactifs" intending to remain for more than 3 months. This means a person with an E106 who arrived after the 23rd November 2007, will be OK for the term of the E106 which is normally up to 2 years, after which they will have to obtain private Heath cover. People who have a workers E106 will be covered as long as it is renewed.

4. After 5 years continuous residence in France, "inactifs" will be permitted join CMU. ( there may be other conditions attached to this )

5. People that have E121 their cover remains unchanged, (we are not sure about the future for people with E109's).

6. We understand that affiliation to CMU may also be permitted in special circumstances, this to include the case s where a person is unable to obtain full health cover.

Our view

Heath Care under the French System changed 1st October 2007, based on a European directive 2004 which was passed in the French Parliament in 2006 and has just been put into French Law in 2007. This is not the French being awkward or anti British, or to do with the new President. It is European Law passed in 2004, which has just been implemented. The French are just coming into line with many most other Countries in Europe.

In the future a person arriving in France, will normally be entitled to an E106 for up to 2 years from the date they finished work in the UK. Once the E106 runs out and they are "inactive" and under state retirement age, they will no longer be able to stay the French Health System, until one of then reaches retirement age 60 for women and 65 for men. Then they will both be able to enter the French system as a matter of right for the rest of their life by applying for an E121. The problem is for people in that gap period between the E106 and the E121. The people in this gap period will be expected to take out private health cover.

The alternatives for people who will not be covered under the French system, is to either keep their main residence in the UK and to stay in the UK Heath system, or if they wish to live in France is to find work either employed or register as self-employed, in both cases this leads to automatic inclusion into the French health system. The other alternative is to take out private health cover.

At French Liaison we are always studying all the options, and trying to keep abreast of things so that we can advise our Members on the best options.

If you wish to comment on the above or are interested in joining French Liaison please send me an e-mail to: help@french-liaison.com

1b) How to register into the French Health system.

a) Resident and Employed in France

For those that are either employed in France or are registered self-employed with the Chambre de Metier, Chambre de Commerce, URSSAF or MSA there is an automatic affiliation to the 'Assurance Maladie' entitling them and their family to a Carte Vitale. (Subject to sufficient contributions being paid)

b) Resident in France and entitlement to E Form

If you are resident in France and you qualify for an E Form then you and your family have an automatic right to enter the French Health system.

1) E106: If you are under retirement age and your NI contributions are up to date in the UK you will be entitled to an E106 which is valid between one and two years from the date you finished work. You can phone Newcastle to check your entitlement you just need quote your NI number.

2) E121: If you are retirement age and are receiving a State Pension then you will be entitled to an E121. You can phone Newcastle to check your entitlement you just need to quote your NI number.

3) Incapacity Benefits: People receiving incapacity benefits in the UK are sometimes entitled to an E121. Again Newcastle will advise you of your rights and verify that you will continue to receive the incapacity benefit if you are resident in France.

4) If you have a business or are employed in the UK, and paying contributions in the UK, you may be entitled to the "workers E106", or E109 ask for details. There are regulations that are being challenge which involves people who work from home in France and use what is referred to as "new technology" i.e. e-mail, fax or Internet, they are being refused a workers E106. For more details and assistance please contact us at French Liaison.

c) Resident in France and do not qualify under a or b above,

You will no longer be entitled to health cover in France and will have to apply for private health cover.

For a charge of 20.00€ we will send you the document "How to register into the French Health System" this would also be entitled you to help & advice by phone or email.