NOW THE EUROPEAN UNION TAKES CARE OF US ALL
Throughout history the British and their offshoots have been great travellers and settlers throughout the world. Since the establishment of the European Union over thirty years ago Europe has become the primary focus of attention with France being the most favoured country. It is estimated that over 750,000 English speaking people live part time or full time in France and the number increases month by month. It is difficult to identify the proportion of holiday to permanent homes but one thing seems clear; holiday homes often become permanent homes as their owners retire.
At the outset the majority of the settlers were retired. This is no longer the case. The early retirees in the 35 to 55 year age groups are fast catching up and may already be the majority of the new arrivals. For people deciding to quit the rat race and take early retirement it is a new adventure and possibly the beginning of a new career. As chips and robots take over both in manufacturing and services redundancy is no longer a disaster, it is often a new beginning in a new country.
Health Insurance in the country of choice is of major importance when the time for decision approaches; the vital factors in the consideration are quality and cost. In terms of quality France is almost certainly the foremost country in the world; the European Union has a major influence on the cost in all member states.
One of the first purposes of the European Union when it was founded was to enable free movement of people. Without this the concept of Europe as one country would remain a far off dream. The means of achieving it came into Law thirty-four years ago as « Regulation (EEC) No.1408/71 on the application of social security schemes to employed persons, to self-employed persons, to retired persons and members of their families moving within the new Super State.
Most of us are aware that some form of support exists for instance, the E111 (now the EHIC). A great many think that these “E” forms represent reciprocal agreements between individual European countries. In fact they do not; they are part of EU Law and in principle operate in the same way in and between all member states.
The European “E” forms are the framework for everyone moving in Europe. Visitors, Long Stay Visitors, Workers, Retirees, Early Retirees, just people, all are covered in one way or another.
Before moving on let’s just set out the basic Ground Rules that apply throughout the European Union.
If you move to another member state to become resident, you will live under the Law of that state and have the same rights and obligations as all its other residents and from this it follows that the medical treatment and care you will receive will be exactly the same as any other resident. Perhaps better or worse than in the country you left behind, and if all residents of the country of your choice are obliged to join its NHS, so are you and your Depandants have the same obligation.
Normally you cannot return to your previous country especially for medical treatment without the permission of the Health Authority in your new country of residence.
It is understandable that some may find these facts difficult to accept but it is better to be aware before you move. |
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