Brexit, EHIC, GHIC, Medical Support and Healthcare

Starting a new life in France is a dream many people have, but when you start making it a reality, there are many eventualities to consider, especially now that the UK has left the EU.

This blog post looks at the impact Brexit has had on French healthcare provisions, particularly for those moving from the UK, and how taking out private medical insurance or top-up healthcare can offer peace of mind to you (and family) from the moment you begin your new life in France.

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

One of the major changes to accessing healthcare in France is the replacement of the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), which is no longer valid for UK citizens. If you have an existing EHIC card, it will remain valid until its expiry date. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to state healthcare in the EU. EHIC and GHIC are not substitutes for travel insurance; it is recommended to take travel insurance with medical cover when travelling overseas.

This card is free and continues to guarantee UK citizens’ rights to receive emergency and necessary healthcare when travelling in the EU. Ownership of this card is essential for anyone moving to France, particularly because new citizens are not granted access to free public healthcare until they have resided in France for 3 months. If you have been living in France for three months, you must register with the French healthcare system to get your Carte Vitale.

Consider Healthcare Medical Cover in France

Whilst Brexit has occurred with a “deal” in place, there is a transition period between the UK and the EU for at least 5 years. With everything exposed for a little while longer, you may prefer to opt for private medical insurance to ensure that you and your family are covered in all eventualities.

There is a wide range of medical insurance options available, from full cover to Mutuelle, which provides additional coverage for the shortfall between the state reimbursement and the actual cost of treatment and is particularly important for covering hospital costs and prescriptions.

To help you find a suitable health insurance or top-up healthcare, especially if you aren’t confident with the French language, we offer a comprehensive English service to fulfil all your insurance needs.