You are a British citizen


Health

If a withdrawal agreement were to be adopted, a transition period up to 31 December 2020 would ensure the same rights and obligations as currently effective legislation. If there is no withdrawal agreement, France and the UK will each apply their own national rules, and EU rules on coordination of social security systems will no longer apply between the two countries.


You are concerned 1) if you are a British citizen who wishes to travel in France; 2) if you wish to know if you can benefit from medically necessary healthcare when you travel to France; 3) if you wish to know if you can benefit from planned medical treatment in a specialised establishment in France.

If you did not find the answers to your questions on this page, you can contact us at the following address : Brexit@sante.gouv.fr


  • Imprimer

Frequently

asked questions


  • I am insured under the British health insurance system and I would like to go on holiday in France in the summer of 2019. Will I be able to receive healthcare in the event of a problem, and under what conditions ?

  • With a withdrawal agreement

    Your health insurance coverage and the conditions under which you are insured will not change. The current EU rules on coordination of social security systems will continue to apply during the transition period (until 31 December 2020). For someone in your situation, these rules provide that – if you are receiving a pension from one Member State and reside in the territory of another Member State – your healthcare costs will be covered by the Member State that pays your pension. Therefore, your French healthcare costs will be paid by the United Kingdom. For this to happen, you must request an S1 form "Registering for healthcare cover" (the equivalent of the former E121 form) from your British pension fund. This document will allow you to register with the health insurance fund in your place of residence in France. Until 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive benefits under the same conditions as you do now.


    Without a withdrawal agreement

    The EU rules on coordination of social security systems will no longer apply. The European Health Insurance Card will no longer be valid.

    You will be covered by UK law and you will have to contact your British health insurance fund to check whether it covers healthcare abroad and under what conditions. It is advisable to have private insurance to cover any medical expenses you may incur in France.


  • I am insured under the British health insurance system and my doctor recommends that the necessary care for my illness be provided in a specialised hospital in France. Will this be possible from the date of withdrawal and under what conditions ?

  • With a withdrawal agreement

    Yes, this will still be possible, and under the same conditions as at present. Planned medical treatment can be provided within the European area at the financial expense of your healthcare insurer. Depending on the nature of the treatment, this may require prior approval by your health insurance fund in the United Kingdom. If the planned medical treatment is approved, your fund will issue you with a S2 form to certify that the treatment in question is covered. There is no refund possible in case of refusal.


    Without a withdrawal agreement

    If you are coming to France for medical treatment, you will be responsible for the costs you incur, unless you have a coverage agreement from your British health insurance fund. You should therefore contact your health insurance fund to find out how this care can be covered by your plan when it is provided on French territory.