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
French Doctors Resist Health Changes
The government is seeking to end the system of payment of doctors by patients, in favour of payment by the State, an approach contested by the medical profession.
03 Feb 2015
Tightening of Complementary French Health Policies
The government have tightened the range of health insurance cover that must be provided by complementary 'top-up' health insurers.
04 Dec 2014
Headache Over Medicines in France
The rules and practice governing the pricing and reimbursement of medicines in France is becoming increasingly complicated.
04 Nov 2014
Early Retirees Being Accepted for Health Cover
Although it is a mixed picture, your e-mails indicate that many local health authorities are continuing to accept early retirees into the health system.
07 Oct 2014
Private Health Insurance in France
With early retirees barred automatic entry to the State health system, many are obliged to take out private health insurance, but for some it is not all bad news.
05 Aug 2014
Early Retiree Health Rights in France
The UK government may have abolished S1 certificates for early retirees, but that does not mean early retirees have no health rights in France.
03 Jun 2014
Early Retirees S1 Abolition Confirmed
The UK government have confirmed the abolition of S1 health certificates for early retirees, as well as 'co-payments' in relation to the European Health Insurance Card for visitors to Europe.
06 May 2014
Withdrawal of Early Retiree S1 Health Certificates Delayed
The planned withdrawal of S1 health certificates has been delayed, as officials consider the full implications of the proposed measure.
08 Apr 2014
Early Retirees Gaining Access to Health System
Although S1 cover for early retirees is to be abolished, there is growing evidence that existing holders of S1 certificates are being accepted into the health system.
11 Mar 2014
Assistance with Top-Up Health Insurance
The sums payable to assist with complementary top-up health insurance have been increased this year.
05 Feb 2014
Early Retirees Lose S1 Health Cover
The UK government has confirmed that early retirees relocating abroad will lose access to S1 health cover - probably!
07 Jan 2014
Is 'Top-Up' Health Insurance Necessary? Part 2
The costs and benefits of different types of complementary health cover policies.
05 Dec 2013
Is 'Top-Up' Health Insurance Necessary? Part 1
Do you need to take out voluntary 'top-up' health insurance in France, and if so, what do you need, and how do you go about getting it?
05 Nov 2013
UK Early Retirees to Lose S1 Health Cover
The British government is proposing to cease offering health cover in France to early retirees.
08 Oct 2013
New Hub for Early Retiree Health Applications
France has established a central processing centre to handle applications by EU early retirees for admission into the French health system.
11 Sep 2013
Your French Health Insurance Card
In France the ‘carte vitale’ is the sesame that confirms your registration in the French health system, granting you access to health services.
03 Sep 2013
Help With Health Costs in France
The income thresholds granting access to assistance with health costs have been substantially increased.
04 Jul 2013
Prescription Charges for Glasses in France
Prescription glasses in France are the most expensive in Europe, mainly because there are too many opticians, says a French consumer group.
06 Jun 2013
Complaints on Health Cover Get Results
Despite initial opposition by most local health authorities, it is clear many early retirees are eventually winning access to the French health system.
02 May 2013
France Promises Health Cover Solution
France has acknowledged that there are problems concerning access into the health system for EU nationals, says the European Commission.
04 Apr 2013