Make living in France a healthy decision

One of the most important things to keep in mind when living in France is understanding the country's health system, which could prove vital in keeping you and your family free from illness.

The French healthcare service is widely regarded as being one of the best in the world and provides a large number of GPs and specialists.

France's social security system taxes employees 20 per cent of their salary, a large portion of which is put towards public healthcare.

Every legal resident of the country has access to medical treatment under the law of universal coverage called la Couverture maladie universelle.

In comparison to the UK, there is no huge difference in the quality of care or the cost of treatment. Going private will, however, allow you to be seen straight away and unlike the UK, you will not have to pay the entire bill.

Whether private or public, treatment is not free at the point of delivery as it is in Britain and patients must pay a full bill on seeing a GP or specialist. Around 70 per cent of this sum in then reimbursed, usually ten days later.

A fundamental principle of healthcare funding in France is personal contribution and most French residents take out health insurance to make up the difference between what the state pays and the cost of treatment.

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