NEWSFLASH

EXPAT HEALTH COVER

In our last Newsletter we gave news on the rule changes on health cover for expats in France. We reported that those under retirement age intending to relocate to France to retire would need to take out private medical insurance, until they reached the age of retirement, when they could join the State insurance system. At the time we were unsure of the application of this new rule to those expats already living in France who had taken early retirement.

We have today received a communication from British Embassy in Paris, who have confirmed to us, that this rule will not apply to existing expats in France, already in the system. They state:

"The British Embassy are in close touch with the French Ministry of Health to clarify the situation regarding healthcare provision for EU citizens who are inactive and below retirement age in France. The French authorities are applying strictly the EU Directive (2004/38) which will mean modifying the healthcare coverage available to some inactive people, including early retirees, from other EU countries who will be taking up residence in France. However, the French Ministry of Health have assured us that the provision of healthcare to people already resident in France will not be affected." For further information, please contact: DWP Overseas Medical Benefits line (+44 191 218 1999) (Monday to Friday 8am-8pm)International Pension Centre Department for Work and Pensions Room TC001 Tyneview Park Whitley Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE98 1BA

Government Health Guidance or the English language service of France's CPAM: +33 8 20 90 42 12" Accordingly, existing expats who are paying health insurance premiums into the State health insurance system (CMU) would be able to continue to do so indefinitely. French officials appear to be denying any intention of ever applying these rules to existing expats in the system. We are not surprised, for if they did so, we feel sure the rule would be open to challenge in the French and European courts. We have yet to receive any clear guidance on those who are currently resident and covered by E106 from the UK (or other EU country), but it may well be the case that they will not be able to enter the State insurance system, unless otherwise through employment or by starting a business. We hope to provide more information in our next newsletter, due out on 16th September. If you are not already subscribed to our FREE fortnightly newsletter, you can subscribe here.