For those of you in the UK, you benefit from the National Health Service, a health system that is free at the point of use and paid for through general taxation. In France, the system works on the basis of reimbursement – you pay a set amount when you see your doctor based on the type of treatment you are receiving and then are reimbursed by the French health service, known as l’Assurance Maladie or Sécurité Sociale. La Sécu doesn’t reimburse all of the fees, however. In order to cover the rest the French take out top-up health insurance, known as a mutuelle.
If you find work in France, you will need to sign up to the French system. If you are coming for a shorter period of time, for studies, or to look for work, you will need certification from the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK that you are entitled to health benefits there. You’ll need to ask for the right E-forms from them before you come to France. You can find a list of the various E-forms on this website. If you are still unsure, check with the DWP.
Once in France if you need medical treatment or whilst you are waiting for your French Social Security benefits to be assigned, show the E-Form to your GP. This is your proof that you have health insurance and are covered for treatment.
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