Are you an expatriate or planning to become one? The question ofaccess to healthcare in your new country can be a source of concern. In France, we are fortunate to benefit from a high-quality healthcare system, with the Assurance Maladie and the Carte Vitale simplifying access to care without worrying about costs. However, this peace of mind is not always guaranteed abroad. In this article, we explain your healthcare rights when staying or traveling abroad, so that you can navigate your way through the care process with peace of mind.
International health insurance: a solution for expatriates
Living abroad can pose unique health challenges, but international health insurance offers an effective solution. These insurance policies are designed specifically to cover medical expenses abroad, ensuring that you have access to quality care wherever you are. Unlike the CFE, which may limit your reimbursements to French rates, international health insurance offers more flexible coverage, adapted to local realities. Depending on your country of residence, you can benefit from access to leading hospitals and clinics, as well as teleconsultation services and 24/7 medical assistance. What’s more, these plans often offer direct reimbursement, simplifying your administrative procedures. By choosing international health cover, you can ensure your peace of mind while making the most of your expatriation experience.
What about French health insurance and social security for expatriates?
When you leave on a trip or expatriation lasting more than 6 months, your social security rights are revoked. When you return to France, do you need medical treatment? You are no longer covered by the CPAM. Except in the case of secondment.
If you leave France to live and/or work abroad, you lose your French social security coverage. FYI: you can keep your carte vitale associated with your Améli account, but it no longer works. You can find more information on your carte vitale or on the social security website, Améli.
Despite everything, we know and understand that it’s sometimes easier and more reassuring to get medical treatment in France. You’re used to medical care, you know the professionals and they know you. Quite simply, you’re used to the care and reimbursement system. Everything is simple and easy with the carte vitale, and you know your rights! Even with good coverage, it’s more reassuring to carry out your annual check-ups (gynecology, dental…) with your usual doctors.
Not only do the health-care teams know your file, but they also speak French, which, let’s just say, makes it easier to understand… These are just some of the advantages that make you want to be as well covered in your expatriate country as you are in France. And let’s not forget the quality of care provided in France, for an operation for example, or the family environment, which is appreciable (depending on the situation, hospitalization, etc.).
CFE and return to France
When expatriating, you have the option of joining the CFE, for Caisse des Français de l’étranger. Since January 2008, the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger has offered a package to cover your medical care in France. It’s called “FrancExpat”. It is designed for French nationals who wish to continue to be followed by their general practitioner or specialist, once abroad. This offer is also interesting for women wishing to give birth in France, or for children spending their vacations with their grandparents in France, for example. You continue to benefit from the same rights (the same rights as in France, via the CPAM): you are reimbursed on the same scale and according to the same terms as French Social Security for treatment carried out on French territory.
Depending on your profile, the country you’re moving to and, above all, healthcare costs in the country you’re flying to, the CFE can be an advantage. And the “FrancExpat” offer is particularly interesting if you’re expatriating close to France, in the European Union or the UK for example.
A system with a few limitations
However, the system does have its limits… That’s why we recommend that you take out a complementary health insurance policy, even if you are covered by the CFE, to supplement your medical expenses. In fact, it’s a good idea to be able to be followed by your own doctor while you’re in France, and to continue to benefit from social security coverage. Nevertheless, an accident, unexpected hospitalization or illness can happen in your expatriate country (all the more so if you have children). And medical benefits abroad are often more expensive than in France.
However, CFE reimburses you on the basis of the French social security system. This means that it is then up to you to pay the difference in costs, which, depending on the country, can be quite high. CFE membership can be attractive, but coverage is not always optimal, depending on the country of residence you choose, your medical situation and your healthcare costs. For more information on CFE and affiliation to this legal scheme, visit cfe.fr.
Santexpat.fr offers you tailored solutions…
With this in mind, and in response to real demand, Santexpat has developed several solutions. Solutions tailored to your needs. Insurance to complement CFE, first-euro coverage or other insurances for coverage during stays in France. All our offers have been developed for French people who live, travel or work abroad and want to benefit from international insurance.
In this respect, we have developed an exclusive insurance solution dedicated to French expats, enabling you to choose between consulting the private sector in your country of expatriation or new country of residence, or benefiting from a medical concierge service in France that takes care of everything for you.
What is it?
This exclusive concierge service includes: making medical appointments, booking and paying for return transport to France, and return cab fares, all organized and 100% paid for by Santexpat.fr. This can be a very reassuring and practical solution. Especially as an expatriate in a European Union country not far from France.
Santexpat tailors solutions to your needs as an expat, the needs of your family and the urgency of the situation. Our aim is to offer our customers optimum coverage and social protection in the event of illness, health problems or operations. Our team of international health experts is at your side to discuss your healthcare needs and propose solutions that meet your expectations. Visit our website for more information. If you have any questions, our team has the answer.
The UK example
You’ve recently moved to the UK as a family, with your partner, a child… And you’re 5 months pregnant? You want to give birth in France, close to your family circle, in a hospital you know. However, for simplicity’s sake, would you like to have your pregnancy check-up in the UK?
This is entirely possible, and you can benefit from certain rights during your stay. Santexpat offers you tailored health cover solutions, enabling you to cover your maternity expenses in your expatriate country through private health and supplementary insurance. And/or schedule a stay in France for your childbirth, where your healthcare costs will be reimbursed at 100%. You’ll be fully covered, so you can leave with peace of mind and benefit from the very best services!
Accessing French healthcare from abroad
Living abroad while benefiting from healthcare in France is a challenge that many expatriates face. While the French healthcare system is renowned for its quality, it’s essential to understand your rights and options when living abroad. CFE can offer some protection, but it has its limits, and it’s often a good idea to take out a complementary international health insurance plan to ensure optimum coverage. Thanks to tailored solutions such as those offered by Santexpat, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you have access to the best care, whether in France or in your country of expatriation. Don’t hesitate to consult our team of experts to find the solution that best suits your needs and guarantees your health, wherever you are.
