If you have relocated permanently to France and travel elsewhere within the EEA, then you will need to ensure you are covered for health during your stay.

For this purpose you will need a European Health Insurance Card, either issued to you by the UK (for British nationals) or French authorities.

Those living in France who are covered for health care from the UK (such as those with an E121/S1 or E106/S1), need to apply to the UK authorities for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

If you are not covered from the UK you need to apply to your local caisse for a Carte Européenne d'Assurance Maladie (CEAM) from your local Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie. The period of validity of the French card is one year.

You will only be entitled to a CEAM if you are registered in the French health insurance system. Otherwise, you will need to take out private health insurance when visiting another EU country, or be covered via an EHIC.

Normally, you should not be required to pay for any health care in another EU country outside of France, but if this does occur, then you need to apply for reimbursement from the UK or French authorities, as appropriate.

The EHIC is valid for at least three years, unlike the CEAM, which is only valid for one year.

If you are eligible for a card you will need one for everyone who is travelling with you, including children under the age of 16 years.

If you are too late in applying for a CEAM before you travel, you may be able to get a certificate from your local Caisse giving you three months cover.

Even if your to not get a certificate, and you later seek reimbursement of health costs incurred abroad, take your receipts to your Caisse and you may still be able to obtain reimbursement, on the same basis as if you were in France!

If you are travelling outside the EEA area then you should check with your local Caisse on any reciprocal arrangements that France may have with the country you are proposing to visit.

Even though no agreement may have been signed, you may still be able to receive reimbursement of some of your medical costs. Make sure you keep all the bills.

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