Thank you for showing an interest in our News section.
Our News section is no longer being published although our catalogue of articles remains in place.
If you found our News useful, please have a look at France Insider, our subscription based News service with in-depth analysis, or our authoritative Guides to France.
If you require advice and assistance with the purchase of French property and moving to France, then take a look at the France Insider Property Clinic.
Healthcare in France
Complaints about Health Cover in France
With readers regularly reporting difficulties and delays in obtaining health cover in France, we consider the complaint procedures that are in place.
08 Aug 2019
PUMA Health Charge Declared Invalid
A French court has annulled a PUMA health charge demand made by the social security agency URSSAF due to late notification.
06 Jun 2019
Access to Health Care by EEA Residents
The French Ombudsman has expressed concern at the difficulties being encountered by EEA residents in obtaining health cover in France.
16 May 2019
Help with Health Costs in France
The French government have merged two schemes that provide financial assistance towards health costs for those on a low income.
07 Mar 2019
French Health Record System Goes On-Line
An on-line personal health record system has been introduced, but there remains uncertainty about whether it will be widely used.
08 Jan 2019
Dental Treatment Charges in France
The government have announced free dental care for all, but the reality is a little different.
07 Dec 2018
PUMA Health Charge Exemption Doubled
The government have revealed details of the changes that are to be made to the PUMA state health insurance charge.
07 Nov 2018
PUMA Health Charge to be Overhauled
The government have announced that the law on the PUMA health charge is to be changed, but it is unlikely there will be further clarity for early retirees.
08 Oct 2018
French Health Charge Court Judgement
The controversy over the PUMA health charge continues, with a case heard in the Constitutional Council leaving the status of the charge in some doubt.
28 Sep 2018
Health Charge Under Legal Challenge
The legality of the PUMA annual health charge is to be tested in the French Constitutional Council.
07 Aug 2018
Terminating a French Health Insurance Policy
Terminating a complementary French health insurance policy is easier than most insurers would like you to believe.
08 Jun 2018
Paying for Health Treatment in France
Healthcare in France may not be free at the point of delivery, but many patients are able to obtain treatment without the need to make a payment.
08 May 2018
Uncertainty Over PUMA Health Charge
There continues to be uncertainty over the scope of the PUMA health insurance charge, notably in relation to early retirees and those with private health insurance.
06 Apr 2018
UK Pays France €250M for Expat Healthcare
The UK government last year signed a cheque for over €250 million in payment for healthcare received by British nationals in France.
09 Jan 2018
Calculation of PUMA Health Charge
A circular published by the French government has set out the method for calculating the PUMA health insurance charge.
07 Dec 2017
Healthcare in France and Brexit
The British government have once again reaffirmed their commitment to continuity of health cover for retired expatriates living in Europe.
07 Dec 2017
French Health Insurance Contribution for 2016/17
Many thousands of expatriates have incorrectly been sent a notice for the payment of the PUMA health contribution, when they are not liable to pay the charge.
27 Nov 2017
Complementary 'Mutuelle' French Health Insurance Contracts
What do you need to consider in selecting your complementary (mutuelle) French health insurance policy?
08 Sep 2017
Transport Costs and Health Treatment in France
Travel costs for health treatment are, under certain conditions, covered in full or in part by the health system in France.
08 Aug 2017
Increase in French GP Charges
Since last month the charge for a visit to your French doctor has increased from €23 to €25, the first such increase since 2011.
13 Jun 2017
