France Health Insurance

The Republic of France is the number one tourist destination in the world, and the second wealthiest country in continental Europe. Its cultural influence is historically second to none, dating back to the famous cave paintings at Lascaux. Today, France’s influence extends to cinema and the visual arts, cuisine, painting, sculpture and architecture, and of course, fashion. France is home to many of the world’s leading brands from small boutique houses to major conglomerates. The country remains an important economic and military power, as a member of the G7 and NATO. France’s climate and topography varies to include Mediterranean beaches, Alpine peaks, and verdant flatlands with temperate weather patterns

France is well known for the high standard of living enjoyed by its citizens. This extends beyond, good food, wine and “joie de vivre” to include excellent health. Life expectancy at birth is among the highest in the world at 78 years for men and 85 years for women. Universal health care is provided by the state and 11.7 percent of GDP, or USD 3,934 is spent annually on health care per capita. Residents of France must make compulsory contributions to one of France’s health insurance funds based on a proportion of their income. Health care is provided free to terminally ill patients and the World Health Organisation has rated the French health care system as the best in the world

France Health Insurance & Health Care Indicators

Thanks to its focused investment in public health, France has shifted its burden of disease away from communicable diseases which tend to plague less developed countries. According to the WHO, about 6 percent of total years of life lost in France are attributed to communicable diseases, and this is reflected in the figures on HIV and tuberculosis, which are prevalent at rates less than or equal to that of the rest of Europe. Non-communicable diseases more prevalent in developed countries are a major health concern in France. Despite its long reputation for thin residents, French obesity rates are growing quickly. Tobacco use is also common as about one third of French adults smoke. Due to this, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles, France’s rates of cancer, diabetes and heart disease are quite high.

Thanks to centuries of investment in infrastructure, France enjoys universal access to improved sources of drinking water and sanitation facilities. Its health care workforce is well trained and there is plenty of “human capital” to support the country’s extensive health system. There are 35 doctors and 89.4 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people, which is above the regional average and more than adequate to serve the needs of the country. Most French hospitals and health care clinics are funded by the state via France’s mutual health insurance providers. There are adequate primary and specialist care facilities across the country. Private France health insurance and private clinics are also generally utilised for supplemental treatment or for specialist, dental or ophthalmological care. Some form of private health insurance is utilised by 85 percent of French residents. In addition, the WHO operates 22 Collaborating Centres which conduct medical research across the country.

France Health Insurance and Care for Tourists and Expatriates

As mentioned above, France has long been the number one tourist destination in the world. Despite recent economic slowdowns in Europe, France remains an important economic power and destination for business travellers and expatriates. Despite its having all of the advantages of a modern developed country, visiting France is not without risks to health. According to the US-based Centre for Disease Control, visitors should make an appointment to a travel health clinic at least four weeks before making a trip. Routine immunisations should be updated, including hepatitis B and rabies for those planning to visit rural areas, particularly caves where bats may be present. In summer, tickborne encephalitis is prevalent across much of western Europe. Wearing long sleeved clothing and tucking trousers into socks whilst hiking is recommended. Leishmaniasis is fairly common in the Mediterranean region of France, particularly among those with compromised immune systems, such as HIV-infected patients.

Expatriates from EU member countries possessing the European Health Insurance Card may present this before receiving care in France to receive basic care when travelling for business or tourism, but not for expatriates relocating to the country. Those relocating to France as expatriates may be eligible to sign up for the state-subsidised France health insurance system, which provides basic care, as well as low-cost care to the terminally ill. However, this is only an option for those permanently relocated and resident in France. Most tourists and expatriates will require at least some form of “top-up” insurance to ensure that specialist, emergency and medical evacuation care is all provided for. A good international health care plan should provide this and is strongly recommended to anyone planning to visit France, especially for the long term.

France Health Insurance and International Health Care Plans

Navigating France’s complicated health care system can be difficult for overseas visitors, particularly those from non-EU member states. And choosing the right international health care plan to complement and supplement local care can be difficult. Fortunately the experienced advisors at Expat Medical Insurance are here to ensure that you, your family and your colleagues or tour groups select the best option to suit their needs. With health care plans on offer via Expat Medical Insurance including alternative, maternal, dental and even air medical evacuation care, our representatives will help give you peace of mind before heading abroad. Expat Medical Insurance advisors are available around the clock, please contact us today for further information.