Money News
Thousands of expatriates living in France will need to act immediately to avoid having to pay for costly medical treatment if Westminster isn't successful in its bid to prevent proposed changes to the French healthcare system, advises BUPA International.
The warning comes in light of the French Government's move to strip expatriates, under the age of 65 and who are not working, of access to state-subsided healthcare from March 30th 2008.
Tim Slee, head of European sales at BUPA International, commented: "Global provision of state-subsidised healthcare for expatriates is inconsistent and subject to change, so individuals must keep abreast of healthcare-related developments in their new country to avoid being caught out by reform.
"We suggest that anyone retiring abroad should follow the Department of Health's recommendation that all British expatriates take out an adequate health insurance policy."
Slee added that those affected by the reform will have to weigh up whether they can afford to pay for their own treatment should they fall ill or have an accident, which could run into thousands of Euros.
The alternative is to investigate private medical insurance options. While for some, this may not have been a consideration when they first moved to France, it could provide a welcome safeguard against costly medical treatment in light of the Government's proposed healthcare reforms.
BUPA makes the point that expat customers can use their medical insurance to cover a wide range of tests and treatments, including MRI and CT scans, colonoscopies and gastroscopies. Or of course you can use other providers.
Slee explained: "Our expatriate customers use their private medical insurance to fund not only cancer tests, drugs and consultants' fees, but also serious, costly operations. The primary benefit is the alleviation of financial strain at what can be a very stressful time, particularly when the individual is outside their home country."
The list of the ten most frequent private medical insurance claims for BUPA customers in France comprise: 1. Dental examination; 2. MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging); 3. Colonoscopy; 4. Denture repair and temporary crown; 5. Gastroscopy; 6. CT scan; 7. Cataract removal; 8. Injection; 9. Lesion removal and 10. Hernia repair.
28 November 2007 © Moneyextra.com
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