France Health Insurance Warning!

France Health Insurance Warning!

BUPA has urged Britons who are retiring abroad in France to take out adequate health insurance to avoid having to pay for costly medical treatment.

The warnings comes after the French government moved to strip expats under the age of 65 who are not working of access to state-subsidised healthcare from March 30, 2008.

Tim Slee, head of European sales at BUPA International, said those affected by the reform will have to weigh up whether they can afford to pay for their own treatment if they fall ill or have an accident.

He said private medical insurance (PMI) could provide a welcome safeguard against costly medical treatment in light of the proposed healthcare reforms.

"We suggest that anyone retiring abroad should follow the Department of Health's recommendation that all British expatriates take out an adequate health insurance policy," Slee added.

British Members of the European Parliament are currently lobbying France over the issue, but BUPA said they will not necessarily be successful in their bid.

Health Insurance Magazine: 28 November 2007.