CMU NIGHTMARE IN FRANCE

Carte Vitales being cancelled by new CMU ruling.

Many of you will remember the feature in the UK press about the unfortunates in Spain after the expiry of their E106 that worried many people in France and raised many questions. It was nothing compared with the near panic that surfaced after the follow up on BBC television. Our lines were jammed with calls asking if it could happen in France. It appears that the nightmare in Spain could be repeated in France.

To describe the event in Spain for those who are not in the picture it had to do with the E106.  This EU “E” Form is issued to people who have worked and paid NIC for the two years before leaving the UK. It provides cover in their new member state for themselves and their families for up to two years. In Spain, when the E106 expired these people had no alternative other than private insurance. Private insurance was not a realistic solution for many who were already ill with cancer, insulin dependant diabetes, a heart condition, or the like as treatment would be excluded. Many people had to sell their homes to pay their medical bills.

In France there is an alternative called CMU. This was a way of bridging the gap between the expiry of the E106 or other reason and qualification for the E121. CMU (Couverture Maladie Universelle - Law 99-641) is a means of paying a subscription for joining the French NHS and is potentially available to all residents of France.

Now CMU is no longer be available to new residents of France. Only residents who are French nationals or who have contributed via Social Security contributions made whilst working, may qualify and those arriving in France from other EU member states are being refused state medical cover.

Persons registered with CMU via the E106 or who were fully registered for CMU in November 2007 should have their Carte Vitale reinstated.

We should repeat that holders of the E106 or E109 are not affected until the Forms expire and holders of the E121 whilst their entitlement is valid.

If you are affected you need medical insurance at once and for those so affected we have our Gateway and the two Platine Plans. We should remind you that your present top-up policy will be cancelled on transfer and any unused balance credited towards the cost of the Policy you select.

Please get in contact with us if you are concerned.