Expatriation represents a new adventure which is not always without its pitfalls, as numerous administrative formalities can complicate the transition. To ensure that your move abroad takes place under the best possible conditions, it’s important to take into account a number of parameters to organize your France-England expatriation with peace of mind. It’s essential to ask yourself the right questions to organize your departure and approach this stage with serenity. Understanding how to get healthcare in England and the regulations linked to assets during your expatriation were the main objectives of the webinar we organized for you on April 27, 2021. During our recent webinar, in collaboration with Ritchee and French Morning London, we explored two essential topics for a France-England expatriation:
- Wealth protection for expatriates in the UK: This part covered various aspects, including spouse protection, securing inheritance and matrimonial property regimes, as well as building a property portfolio to guarantee income in retirement or financial security for one’s spouse(Ritchee).
- Health care for expatriates in the UK: We look at the different health insurance options available, how to find the right insurance for your needs, and how to get medical treatment in the UK for UK residents(santexpat.fr).
During this webinar, our experts discussed a number of key points, and one of the recurring themes was that of children, particularly with regard to property and inheritance rights when expatriating from France to England. Christine Bigaud shared her point of view, saying,
“The French Civil Code is one of the most protective in the world; you can protect your spouse without disinheriting your children.”Christine Bigaud, CEO of RitcheeIf you have any questions about managing your assets or property investments in an expatriate situation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our partner Ritchee.
Impact of Brexit on the EHIC and the UK healthcare system
Since the Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is no longer valid to cover healthcare costs in the UK. However, it can still be used in certain specific cases, particularly if it was issued before the UK’s official exit from the European Union, and remains valid until its expiry date. For expatriates, it is now essential to take out suitable private health insurance, which covers medical care under the public (NHS) or private system. The British healthcare system, although free in its entirety to residents via the NHS, remains marked by long waiting times for specialist consultations. In 2024, these waiting times increased further in certain regions of the UK, accentuating the need to turn to the private sector for faster access to care. On this subject, Jean-Christophe Pandolfi shared his view:“Expatriates in the UK, the effects of the EHIC expire with the Brexit, but your card remains valid until the expiry date indicated on it.”Jean-Christophe Pandolfi, CEO of santexpat.frThis information is of crucial importance for French nationals who are used to traveling frequently between France and England, as it concerns a large number of compatriots who were still affiliated to the French social security system. Jean-Christophe Pandolfi also emphasized the free and easy access to healthcare in France thanks to our social protection system, an advantage not systematically offered in other foreign countries. “
Jean-Christophe Pandolfi, CEO of santexpat.frMedical treatment in the UK, and abroad in general, can sometimes be very different from the French system, which can be a source of surprise. To overcome the language barrier, Santexpat.fr has set up alternative solutions, offering contracts including 24/7 teleconsultation from abroad in the language of your choice.
With NHS and EHIC subscriptions in the UK, we lose this fundamental freedom of choice in French culture”Jean-Christophe Pandolfi, CEO of santexpat.fr
Healthcare and private insurance
Expatriates in the UK need to be prepared for a different approach to healthcare management than they are used to in France. Consultations in the private sector remain expensive: a consultation with a general practitioner can cost between £100 and £200, and those with a specialist often exceed £250, not to mention the cost of treatment or hospitalization. Health insurance solutions offered by players such as Santexpat.fr now include modern options such as teleconsultation in several languages, a crucial service for expatriates with specific medical needs or language barriers.The Covid-19 context and the evolution of healthcare
Although the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems in 2021, its direct impact is now less perceptible in 2024. However, the long-term effects on the NHS, notably the accumulated delays in elective care, continue to weigh heavily. Sophie Pechoux, expatriate in London, England, shared her view of the situation:“Today, in terms of the pandemic and the health crisis, the NHS is clearly overwhelmed: to go and see a specialist, you have to wait weeks or even months”. Sophie Pechoux, santexpat.fr ambassador and expatriate in London for 10 yearsThe price of a private consultation can be very expensive if you don’t have expatriate health insurance covering the costs. Sophie
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yearsWhat’s more, some policies cover healthcare costs even when traveling, which is a real plus in terms of security for expats and their families. As you can see, this webinar has been packed with useful information for your new life as an expat, both in terms of healthcare and assets. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our international health experts. Our experts are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the NHS, international health insurance at the first euro or in addition to CFE, or even healthcare pathways. They can help you with specific questions relating to your country of expatriation (Spain, New Caledonia, Reunion Island, Scotland….) and help you subscribe to the health insurance that best suits your expatriate status wherever you are in the world
