The French health system came top in a World Health Organisation survey in 2000. Health care is taken very seriously in France, and it is consequently well catered for. It is run by the Ministry of Health, (
Ministère des Solidarités de la Santé et de la Famille).
Unlike most countries, the public and private systems complement each other to provide the most comprehensive care. The French government has recently changed the rules regarding access to healthcare for British retirees in France who are not yet receiving a state pension. If you already hold a form E106 you remain covered for free healthcare until the form's two and a half year duration expires, as long as this form is registered with the French authorities. However, if you have retired early to France, you must now have private health care until you either reach retirement age or have lived in France for five years.
Holders of form E121 or those moving to France and in receipt of a UK state pension (and therefore entitled to E121) are unaffected, as long as the form is registered with the authorities.
If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for free health care, check with the following sources:
French Health Service. Phone (+33) 8 20 90 42 12 for their English language service
CLEISS (Centre des Liaisons Europeennes et Internationales de Sécurite Sociale) the Centre for European and International Social Security. Phone (+33) 1 45 26 33 41 or visit them at: 11 rue de la tour des Dames 75436 Paris Cedex 09
Department for Work and Pensions Overseas Medical Benefits helpline: Phone (+44) (0) 191 218 1999 (Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00)
If you are moving from the UK, form E121 covers those receiving a UK pension, Long-term Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance for healthcare in France to the same levels as a French citizen. To join the healthcare system if you are under retirement age and live and work in France, you must register for the health service as a resident.