Wherever in the world you are, making sure that your health is in good hands is very important – and more so in the later stages of your life. Whether you are retiring in France, or moving for other reasons, figuring out how you and your family will be covered for healthcare must be a top priority on your moving check-list.
The healthcare system in France
The French healthcare system is regarded as one of the best in the world. It provides a high level of easily accessible care; however, it can be quite complex and daunting to navigate.
Everyone living and working in France should register with one of the state health insurance companies (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie - CPAM). Once registered, you will be issued with a Carte Vitale, which must be presented whenever you visit a health professional or go to hospital.
In France, you’re typically required to pay for your medical expenses up front. This includes visiting the doctor, any medical tests that need to be carried out and buying prescribed medicines. You will then be reimbursed through CPAM. However, personal contribution is a fundamental principle of the French healthcare system. This means that you often aren’t reimbursed the full amount. For instance, if you’re admitted to hospital you are typically reimbursed 80% of the fees incurred. If you find that you need to stay in hospital for a prolonged period of time, the costs can easily add up.
There is, however, an option to avoid these out of pocket expenses. If you sign up to an expatriate health insurance provider they arrange to pay your medical provider directly or settle your claim within 5 working days. Why Expatriate Health Insurance?
Expatriate health insurance is specialist medical cover designed especially for those who are living and working abroad. Some of the main reasons why expats opt for these types of policies are that they provide them with international coverage, and they offer customer support in English or another familiar language, as opposed to a local insurance company.
The benefits of being a senior customer with Cigna Global
There are many insurers to choose from and finding the right policy for you and your family isn’t always easy, but we work closely with our expat customers to ensure that their health insurance policies are both practical and flexible.
We offer some great benefits for our senior customers – if you’re 60 or over, you can benefit from new discounted rates, as well as a new 60+ Care benefit, which provides outpatient cover for some pre-existing conditions that are common with age: Arthritis, joint or back pain, Glaucoma, Hypertension, Osteoporosis / Osteopenia and Type 2 Diabetes.
As a Cigna customer you are entitled to continued support throughout the duration of your policy from people who really know healthcare abroad. So, if you’re about to retire in France and are sorting your expatriate health insurance, why not get a free no obligation quote today?
Discover more about Cigna International Health Plans.
