I have read a lot of vitriolic and uninformed comments on this site. Discussions about whether someone deserves treatment only if they have paid a specific amount into the system are pitiable. And, no matter how much you may hate British expats, they are not to blame for the current state of the French economy.

The fact is that people are going to die because the French government has introduced new rules and made them retrospective. From reading your posts, some of you will think that this is ok.

From January, people who did all the research before arriving in France and want to continue paying into the system are going to have their treatment withdrawn. THIS IS NOT OK, THIS IS SCANDALOUS.

Andrew, Pays de la Loire, France

Before I moved to France I paid for tax, legal and healthcare advice. And, when I moved to France, I was under the misapprehension that I lived in a European Community, which allowed freedom of movement.

I have a business in the UK, which I manage from France. I pay tax in the UK and I pay five different taxes in France (including taxes on my assets and income outside of France). I was told by my tax, legal and healthcare advisers and by the French authorities that, when my E106 runs out, I would be have to make social contributions based on my UK income. I would like to make social security contributions but the new French rules mean that I am not allowed to.

I can’t buy comprehensive insurance because I had cancer once. I can afford to pay for my own healthcare but the new French rules say that I must have private insurance. I have written to the British Embassy in Paris, to Gordon Brown, to Prime Minister Fillon and to President Sarkozy to ask if I will be forced to leave France because it doesn’t want my money. I have not had a reply from any of them.

Diane, Maine et Loire, France

An early retiree of UK nationality who is resident in UK has access to state healthcare in both the UK and in France (through the European Health card).
An early retiree of French nationality who is resident in France has access to state healthcare in both France and in the UK (through the European Health card).
An early retiree of French nationality who is resident in the UK has access to state healthcare in both the UK and in France (through the European Health card).
An early retiree of UK nationality who is resident in France has access to state healthcare neither in France nor anywhere else in the EU.
Is this DISCRIMINATORY and ILLEGAL or is this DISCRIMINATORY and ILLEGAL?!!

Duncan Read, Adriers, France

Are we the first to not go? Last week we visited France to sign up for our house. We have been in negosiations for months. I am a retired cop with a number of investments. We intended to live off my hard earned pension and income from the investments, pay our taxes and spend our money in France living the dream.
So, despite the fact we would be no drain on french social systems and pour money into the country we are to be classed as financially inactive, therfore can get no state healthcare. 'Oh, you have some money, pay for private health.' I already hear you cry, but I have what is percived to be a pre-existing complaint (doctors say it is unlikely to bother me again) so I can't get health cover, so we are not going.
Fortunatly we found out about this still during our cooling off period, so we have cooled!
So we, and our money, will stay in the UK a long held dream in tatters but we are not going to wake up every morning worndering what will be the next thing to hit the brits.

Mike Jonns, York, UK

We were told today that The French System is now closed to early retirees from UK who wished to join and contribute to the system. Just waiting for the French Insurance System to gear up to give us cover. Lucky we are fit and healthy! And willing to fill Mr. Sarkozy's coffers without taking out - his loss!

Many French and Expats know that the only parasites living off hard working people are called immobile liars (Immobiliers)

Have a good day!

SmileyTim, Perigueux, France

It is interesting that many of the comment from French nationals keep referring to the British getting free healthcare through the CMU. Unfortunately, and as others have stated these British do not get free healthcare through the CMU but pay for it at a rate set by the French government - nothing free there.

What is also interesting is that (from my understanding) this new scheme only applies to nationals from EU countries who are not French nationals. Thus, nationals from other non-EU counties who are allowed health cover through the CMU are still allowed such cover. French discriminating against other EU countries (for a change).

France does well out of the EU (net receiver of funds) - but when it comes to discriminating against EU nationals seems they have no hesitation.

Ian, France, France

My wife and I were thinking of retiring to France and since we are both 70 realise that ,in practical terms these resolutions
should not make any difference to us but somehow it puts us off.If Eu countries are going to keep changing the rules,even though they seem fairer to that country ,people like myself will think twice.The english may not pay as much for their nhs but
we pay an inordinate amount in council taxes and indirect taxes,it's swings and roundabouts.
Perhaps the french should try to visualise what their country would look like now if no brits had moved there and how many more of their people would be out of work and they are ,after all
the main originator of the Eu,made most of the rules,and have the biggest say,not to speak of benefits for the agricultural
community.The UK is also a major contributor to the Eu and
the figure we pay has some of the healthcare charges taken into account so don't be surprised if this country does not seek a rebate.

michael savell, eastbourne,, uk

As every "rich" ex-pat already pays for the CMU, then any who do fall into this category won't be so badly affected. However, it is not the cost which is worrying but the ability to get such cover in the first place. To date, no French company offers this - so any money will go to the UK insurance industry. What is far, far worse, is that none of these policies allows cover for pre-existing conditions. So if you are undergoing cancer treatment,, for example, then it could well be that, from Monday, you'll have to pay for it. It is these people I feel really sorry for. Anybody who is sick already, is only going to have their lives further runined.

Entry into the CMU was a LEGAL REQUIREMENT until a few days ago for early-retirees - these people complied with the law. Have they been informed, through official channels, of what is about to happen to them? When somebody dies because treatment was refused it will be too late.

Deborah Dudley, Sarthe, France

Two things -

Firstly, too many of the comments here seem to assume that those retiring early to France do not pay into the system for their health cover. Actually, up until now they paid 8% of their relevant income directly for this health cover, as well as needing to pay for top-up insurance. This is on top of tax (often at a higher rate than if they were still in UK) and also on top of Social charges which (unlike national insurance in UK) does not give healthcare rights. Each of these are based on all income sources not just earned income.

So these "early retirees" have in general been paying a lot more here in France than if they had taken early retirement and stayed in UK.

Secondly - up until now - an early retiree from UK living in France has been liable for EXACTLY THE SAME amount of tax/social security/healthcare contribution that a French citizen retiring early on the same income would be paying!! Both have been treated equally as joint EU citizens!

Until now!!

Jeremy Parkin, Gueret, France

My wife and I have been working in france for many years we pay earnings related contributions, as do all french people our cotisation obligatoire is around 12000€ a year and if we are late 10% fine is applied immediately we have top up cover of 85€ a month and we are never sick , If these measures mean we pay less then great there are too many parasites living off hard working people like us, and sorry thats why the authorities are getting stricter and the debt of 14 trillion euros uses all our taxes up so tough, how dare people that do not contrbute complain .

Trevor Leggett, Angouleme, France

Pre-retirement age people in France(British) pay a percentage (8%) of their declared income over a certain amount of allowance. Once the E106 has run its course. So the CMU is not free cover except for those on an income under the declared amount. We pay for our health cover quarterly to the French Health System plus private top-up cover . Admittedly we pay 152 euros per quarter plus 93 euros per month for the top up private part. I would be quite willing to pay more to stay within the French system, why don't they just increase the contributiuon percentage rate.

john southworth, Cuzion, France

We went to CPAM this morning, there were not aware of the following:

“The British Embassy are in close touch with the French Ministry of Health to clarify the situation regarding healthcare provision for EU citizens who are inactive and below retirement age in France. The French authorities are applying strictly the EU Directive (2004/38) which will mean modifying the healthcare coverage available to some inactive people, including early retirees, from other EU countries who will be taking up residence in France. However, the French Ministry of Health have assured us that the provision of healthcare to people already resident in France will not be affected.”

Tim, Perigueux, France

Hi everyone,

Having carefully read many articles on this subject and all the comments here, it is clear that governments are happy to erode society further. Well done to those who have noted that Pensioners and 'near Pensioners' have already paid into the 'system' for decades. If this erosion deteriorates further, all those who are paying into the 'system' now won't have a pension when they retire. (the warnings have already been sent out) The thin end of the wedge has long gone guys. Another sad day.

What should be happening now (IMHO) is the UK government should be issuing E106s to make sure the erstwhile contributors are covered until their E121s are sent out. A lot of near pensioners are still fit and well, but need cover.

Smiley

Smiley, Perigueux, France

From this morning we are not covered and our top up insurance is invalid until this mess is sorted, but:

The news - yet to be confirmed by the French Ministry of Health – was announced in a release from the British Embassy in Paris on Wednesday September 12. It came after a meeting between the ministry and the British Embassy in Paris on Monday September 10.

The Embassy statement reads:

“The British Embassy are in close touch with the French Ministry of Health to clarify the situation regarding healthcare provision for EU citizens who are inactive and below retirement age in France. The French authorities are applying strictly the EU Directive (2004/38) which will mean modifying the healthcare coverage available to some inactive people, including early retirees, from other EU countries who will be taking up residence in France. However, the French Ministry of Health have assured us that the provision of healthcare to people already resident in France will not be affected.”

Smiley, Perigueux, France

The only people who receive free health cover under the CMU in France are those who earn under 7.083 euros per year (2006-2007 figures). Those who choose to retire early and do not work pay 8% of their income to obtain basic health cover under the CMU. It is already the case that those who do not provide the necessay paperwork as evidence of their earnings may face a fixed rate tax of five times this minimum income, which is presumably the law that Sarkozy is trying to implement. (see www.cmu.fr)

Most French people are not aware of this fact; for them the CMU = free health cover. The system of means tested contributions was introduced some years ago as a solution for those who do not fit into any other category (ie. working and paying in to the system, or in receipt of state pension in an EU country and therefore eligable for health cover).

Jan Cintas, St Estephe, FRANCE

I have read all the comments re this article with interest. My husband and I are planning to take early retirement in France. after paying into the Birtish system for over 40years. We will not have great pensions, but we will have some money put aside on which we expect to pay both French tax and French Social charges ( the latter I believe is going to be some 11% on our investment interest). Does this mean we will still be eligible for healthcare ( I do believe we still have to pay a top up insurance too), or are the French authorities not going to take the 11% from our savings interest and allow us to use that money to take out private insurance?

Pauline, Perth, Scotland

A couple of points in response to some of the above postings.
1. House prices are subject to the law of supply and demand. The British buyers have no more put the prices up than the French sellers have.
2. Because somebody takes early retirement (could be an ex fireman, teacher, policeman etc.) does not mean that he or she is rich and can obviously therefore afford private insurance. I detect an air of jeolousy by some posters.

Martin Phillips, bordeaux, france

I m french and you must also admit that many young people in france can't live near their families because home prices exploded with english or german people coming..they have to move to bigger cities...and also it will be only the people under 60 that should pay . Do you have something like CMU ( couverture maladie universelle ) in UK ? That 's the point because with this cmu in france you pay nothing ( yes zero !!) and you can see any doctor anywhere go to hospitals have surgery , dentist , drugs ,evrything for free !!! You have cmu if you dont work so what about this rich english coming into France buying expansive homes and getting health care services for free when young french has to work , to move and pay for everybody .

Thanks for paying attention and sorry for my bad english.

legou, paris, france

I have been living in France with my family for five years. I work as a teacher, and pay all the normal scoial security contributions, although I have no job security, being employed on 'vacataire contracts' (holiday jobs!). The French healthcare system has served all of very well, and I do not mind paying towards it. Those of us still working have to also pay for a top-up insurance to be fully reimbursed for what we pay at the point of delivery. I think it only fair that the rich, early-retired Brits living here should also pay their way - they have forced house prices up, beyond the reach of young French people trying to start lives independent of their families ...as usual these typical Brits Abroad want to take, take, take without having to give anything back, and even boast about how much they can get out of the French system. I think Sarko has got it right this time

Jacqueline Houghton, Barneville-Carteret, FRANCE

I intend to retire to France soon with my husbnad and am under retirement age but am disabled and am in receipt of certain disability benefits including incapacity benefit and my occupational pension. My husband is having to retire early due to my disability because he needs to care for me and the home and therefore I understand we will both come under the E121 form. I also understand that we will pay into a top-up insurance plan or that the cost may be reduced because of the disability. We have both worked and paid all our taxes and National insurance for all our working lives so far so feel we are justifiably entitled to health cover when resident in France. I hear alot about young people who say they are moving to France and live in a caravan or such because they think they can live there for next to nothing and these are the people who should be targeted as they probably get lost in the system.

Liz, Bristol, England

I would recommend anyone read the documents from their country of origin before commenting.

I have just looked up the DWP web site on health care abroad, and it is clear from there, that if you are living (but not working) in another EEA country. you will need to take out healthcare cover for yourself, and for any members of your family who depend on you and who go with you.

this is not new. if you work in France (and pay the taxes) you are covered.

if you are over the retirement age you are covered by different rules.

it also suggests you ring The Pension Service in Newcastle before you leave.

s bond, fleet, uk

Is this really the case? I just received a letter from the local Social Security office but it's the usual annual demand for proof of residence and copy of income tax demand. If the decree issued in March is no 2007-354, then it makes no mention of excluding foreign early retirees. Has whoever wrote the story asked the French authorities to comment?

Alan Gibbs, Castanet, France

Not everyone who has bought a house in France rich. I being one have worked all my life in England and paid quite a huge part of my income on occupational pension as well as taxes and NI contributions all my life. If there weren't so many people coming to live in England (and how many have over the last twenty years or so) because they think we have it cushy, maybe the health service wouldn't be such a shambles. It's not surprising many English move away to other countries, France only being one, as we aren't allowed to be proud of our so called 'Britishness'. It's so easy for people to comment when on the other side of the fence. They make assumptions of others and seem to think they know everything about anything. I strive to improve my life and if I need healthcare, after paying for it all my life, then I am quite entitled to it. I don't want to live in France just for the healthcare I can get. In fact it's the last thing on my mind when wanting to be in France.

Lizzy, Bristol, England

This is typical of the French, as a British buyer in France along with thousands of others, (not including the Dutch and Germans) my wife and my long term plan are to retire early and live in France. What the French seem to forget is the number of redundant home being left to rot. The mayor of my village openly admits is it was not for foreign buyers his village would be a ghost town, the tabac and the bollangie would have close a long time ago. The local economy keeps afloat (especially in rural area) by foreigner’s buyers restoring old properties, letting to friends and families, it all generates money for local economies. We let others benefit from our health care, schools and services without batting an eye, how millions would we save if we followed our so called European brothers. I have worked since 15 paid my taxes and N.I. my contributions should be paid in the European country I decide to live my final days in. This government should be appalled, and should be taking up the fight. I will be lobbying my M.P. and suggest other do so. EUROPEAN COMMON MARKET BALDERDASH.

Kevin Armstrong, Witton le Wear, England

I have read it all and could get quite angry at some of the French comments. But one simple sentence sums it up. LIFE IS NOT FAIR!!! It doesn't matter if you live in the UK or France some people will always try to exploit a system. Also, there will be more who play it straight down the line. There is not a 'one size fits all' situation here and everyones situation is different. I don't think this has been very well thought out by the French government. If they drive Brits and other EU nationals out, they will lose huge amounts of Euros contributed to their economy in spending. Supermarkets, DIY, Utilities, local taxes, bars, cafes. As mentioned above, before 'we' arrived many villages were dying. I am glad to say that where I live in the Vendee, most French nationals appear to welcome us and the contribution we make to their community. Don't drive us out M. Sarkozy. You may need us when your homeland is invaded again!

Stephen Jones, Vix, Vendee, France

"3 essential points : the vast difference between the quality of care between the 2 systems ,the vast difference in contributions, the vast difference in the price billed for each medical act. Is it normal that Brits pay the price of an old banger (the NHS) and get an F1 (French Secu) for it? "

Everything is said here! French employers and employees are paying a fortune to support the French health system, and it weighs a lot on the economy of the country. England has made the choice to have a more competitive economy with lower taxes and low quality public services.
When English people are coming to work in France, then they they bring their contribution and everything is fair. But retiring to France and taking advantage of the French system without ever having contributed to it is outrageous, this is really parasiting and unfair.
The French are aware of the sacrifices that this choice of society demands, I don't believe they would defend people taking advantage of it.

Lau, Angers, France

It sounds to me like there are about the same amount of French expats in the UK as there are English expats in France so it's pretty easy really , have a reciprocal agreement i.e we'll treat yours for free & you treat ours for free (this makes most sense to me as English people will have paid into the NHS here untill they retire & presumably French citizens will have done the same in France ) OR we'll charge yours & you charge ours, the latter won't happen because successive governments in Westminister & especially the current one are rather fond of handouts to foreigners particularly those with no desire to integrate into our society beyond sponging off it. The former won't happen because the French have a mildly endearing habit of despite the EC doing exactly what they want to do & be damned. Once again not many obvious benefits showing through for the average UK citizen when it comes to British membership of the EC.

Mark Field., Great Yarmouth, England.

I am French and working in the Uk.
I can't undersand why English people having retired in France should get free healthcare without having ever paid for it.
The French healthcare system is good but also very expensive and someone has to pay for it.

There is a big defference between French moving to the UK and British moving to France.
French moving to the UK are all working people, so they are paying money for the NHS. There are young, so they do not cost a lot.
English moving to France are retired (most of the time), they don't work so they don't give a penny to the healthcare system.
They are older, so they cost much much more than young people.

If you have worked all your life in the UK, then you should be covered by the NHS, if you are not, your government is taking advantage of you.
No people having never worked in France should get any coverage (but emergencies)

charles, london,

OK well I have now spoken to the DWP and it appears that persons living in France on an E121 or equivalent are OK its those that went on the 2 year temporary or E111 that are potentially in the manure. People that have either entered the French system, are on a 121, or pay into the French system have no problems, it is those that thought they could come here, not pay the UK NI or the French that deservedly have been caught.
Why should those that are "flying a kite" get the same as those that strive to get it right. many of us that strove to get it right incidentally, are the ones that have the least funds. It is the "clever" ones that appear to have gotten caught.

Roger Mew, Nantes, Loire Atlantique

This is a poorly researched and totally inaccurate article. Those on invalidity benefit and those receiving the UK OAP in France are not affected at all by these changes, the UK pays their healthcare costs by way of an E121 form. Those who retired early who pay into the French Healthcare are not going to lose their healthcare, the only people who will be affected are those who are below retirement age and asset rich and have little or no apparent income. As it stands, these people through no fault of their own, are given free healthcare as the criteria for payment to the system is income not assets. so they get the same as the poor, a situation long overdue for change. These people will not be allowed to remain in the state system, and will have to either pay as they go or get private insurance. Its a pity that this reform does not pick up those who avoid paying both taxes and healthcare costs by keeping under the radar and there are 000's of those in France.

Ron Avery, Villefranche de Rouergue, France

Frankly, as a British national but French Taxpayer I fail to see why people perfectly capable of working and contributing should be subsidised by the likes of me.

Social security charges for the self employed here in France are breathtaking, so for an able bodied section of the community to be exempted seems completely unreasonable.

We're not talking about the "properly" retired here, nor those pensioned off through ill health: they're still covered. There may be exceptions, and for them I have sympathy, but in the main we're talking about those who could afford to retire at 55 or whatever on generous payouts and pensions and made a lifestyle choice to come. We have to pay through the nose. Welcome to our world.

Jon, France,

If you are prepared to take early retirement to another country and not pay into the system that runs the healthcare why should you expect to receive treatment for free. I believe you are entitled to two year's cover from the UK if you have paid into the NHS system. I was also lead to believe that if your partner is retired then you could also be classed as his dependent for healthcare costs.

Therefore if this is the case and Sarkozy runs the new system it would seem fair - this should be the case all over the European Union - only emergency treatment should be provided. Is this the way the UK runs its NHS care - if not it damn well should - after all whats good for the little gander is good for the goose.

The healthcare given here is excellent to my knowledge and most people I have spoken to have full faith in it.

Expat in Brittany, Morbihan,

Oh dear. More wingeing Poms. In fact these rules exist already but are being enforced by government struggling to balance its budget. Why should French tax payers and social service contributors subsidise those wealthy enough to retire early and who should do their homework before coming. Particularly retired High Commissioners. Emergencies will still be covered.

Patricia Kirwan, Montpeyroux, France

I can't help feeling that the French state is right to crack down. French people, and others who live in France on the same footing as the French, earn low salaries and pay high taxes and social charges. Rich Brits who come over to exploit the housing market and to take advantage of the excellent health system without contributing directly to it are not terribly popular with the indigenous population. It should be remebered that the retired British are often immeasurably better off than the French in monetary terms, and if they can afford to spend so much more than the French on their houses, will they really miss a few thousand a year towards their healthcare? Why should the French pay for them?

Helene, France,

Will the UK take reciprocal action against French, Spanish and Greek nationals by denying them free access to the NHS?

Or is the EU a one-way street, an organisation that that dictates every aspect of our lives and to which the UK has to contribute vast amounts of taxpayers' money for the benefit of other states, only to find that they deny the same benefits to us?

No prizes for guessing the answer...

Gerry, Kent, England

There is of course a valid intellectual argument that free/government provided healthcare should be more systematically monitored and controlled (or indeed means tested) not just in France but across Europe. I am not surprised that the Sarkozy government is looking to close loopholes.

I do not however think it right to vilify a group of British expats who actually contribute a great deal to the local economies in many parts of rural france which would otherwise be even poorer and less developed than they are for simply taking advantage of something for which they are entitled to under the law of the country in which they live.

JS, London,

In actual fact I believe that if you came to france under retirement age, or not on incap benefit, then you were obliged to pay anyway. What therefore is new. I think that basically the french are enforcing what was already there.
We receive incap benefit and our insurance is therefore under the state, the problem is for those not paying into a system, so, for example if you are not paying UK Insurance nort french, then you will not get help..
From what I perceive, it is those that are neither paying into the UK nor English that will get caught, it depends on what form you used to take up residency.
So, for example, my daughter with french child, she will not get help, but my grandaughter will..

Roger Mew, Nantes, Loire Atlantique

Fortunately still spend sufficient time working in the UK, and paying a UK stamp to qualify for Britush NHS benefits, and fortunately my wife who will now be living in France will also get British NHS treatment.

I do not blame the French for the current situation, but the British Government who set people who go to live overseas adrift. Surley anyone who has paid national Insuance to the UK for thirty plus years should qualify for the Healthcare that they have already paid for.

If this means that the British government have to stop paying for Heathcare for people settling into the UK from other countries then so be it. The whole matter should be made the subject of a judicial review in the UK!!!!!!!!!

Francis White, Luton, Bedfordshire

I operate a Help Centre in France for English speaking people called French Liaison. We are helping people all the time to get into the CMU. These are people are not spongers on the system, but people who have worked all their life.

These are people who are renovating properties, they are paying local Taxes, and they are spending considerable sums on goods and services, in the Dordogne the French people can see the benefits of British early retired people.

The early retired came to France believing that they would be treated the same as French people, that they would be allowed into the health service. They do not expect it for nothing and are quite prepared to make reasonable contribution.

If the system is to change, then that is OK as long as people are made aware before committing themselves to moving to France. Where in my opinion it would not be fair is to stop health cover for those currently in the system.

Tony (French Liaison), Dordogne, France

I think this is outrageous, I agree that those who are under retirement age should be able to work, but I am amazed that nothing has been mentioned and all of a sudden we will be getting a letter to say we no longer are entitled. I have just filled in this years claim form for next year, and nothing was mentioned at all, its all a big secret, and I know why because there would be anarchy in France, the French would be outraged, do they think they can keep it quiet forever.

peggy sheehan, civray, France

My husband has just passed retirement age and should be entitled to healthcare under his E121 here in France, however I don't know now if I will have to continue to make the 8% of global income contribution to the French system or not as I am still under retirement age. I live in someone else's country and must respect their system. What is very vexing though is the number of Brits who have got into the health system here in France on their E106 and E121 entitlement but have not conformed to the statutory regulations of filing tax returns, these folks therefore pay no contribution the the French system, they only take. I for one wish the French authorities here would look into who is legally in the system and who is not.

Miffti, Beaufort en Vallee, France

So how will this affect people UNDER retirement age now living in France, not working AND with a long term medical condition?

Sorrel, France, France

This article will cause unnecessary alarm: those who are already RETIRED and living in France do NOT lose their French healthcare benefits - only those under the official age for reirement will lose out - this fact has been buried in this piece and should not have been - poor quality journalism

John S. M. Roberts, O.B.E., Seaford, England

<<<So how will this affect people UNDER retirement age who live permanently in France and have a long term medical condition?
Sorrel, France, France>>>
I am in exactly that position. I've lived here for 10 years, have no family, no ties with UK & recieve Cotorep (disability benefits) for a condition which developed after i arrived in France.
I don't have UK pension rights, since i have been teaching abroad in various countries for the last 20 years. I did take out private pension whilst working in Kuwait, unfortunately, the Iraqi invasion meant i lost that, plus all my posessions & obviously, my job.
No, i am not in paid employment in France, but i do voluntary work for Croix Rouge, Médicin sans Frontiers, various other local charities, plus act as a host for young people from all over the world, who stay in my (rented!) home free as part of cultural exchange visits. I also support many French people , emotionally & financially, who have mental health issues.
I think i do my bit.

Terri, ANGOULEME, FRANCE

3 essential points : the vast difference between the quality of care between the 2 systems ,the vast difference in contributions, the vast difference in the price billed for each medical act. Is it normal that Brits pay the price of an old banger (the NHS) and get an F1 (French Secu) for it?
The fact is that the money France gets from the NHS for treating Brits in France does not represent the true value of the health care received because the French subsidize care with taxpayer money.
I know of cases cases where a treatment billed £3000 in the UK is billed only 400 euros in France. The French taxpayer makes up the difference. P. Timberlake's assertion that the French living un the SE of England get "free" health care is inaccurate. They pay NI just like everyone and get the same treatment as Brits do. It's not "free" because they've paid Britain for British quality care. But many Brits in France have paid under the odds in the UK for a world-class product in France. Not fair!

Mike Meade, Mougins, France

I agree completely with the President. I moved to France years ago with my family and set up a business which fortunately is very successful. The amount, or rather the proportion of my income that I have to pay in social security contributions, healthcare and pensions to the state would make most UK self-employed weep and I resent others free-loading on an already sagging healthcare system.

A considerable number of those taking early retirement in France are doing so on the profits of inflated property prices and it seems only fair that some of that money should be used to look after their health also. We know of many who have enjoyed the finanical benefits of this country whilst avoiding the costs and responsibilities that go with them. The party is officlally over for malingering Brits in France and its about time it also ended in the UK for non-UK economic migrants

Denis Gérard, Nantes, France

Well, I don't even understand why the French should pay for foreign retired people - even if they're old enough for retirement.
The choice to have a high quality social welfare system is aleady crippling the french economy. It's a choice that has made them less competitive than England and the French pay taxes for it all their lives.
People who got rich in England have never contributed to this system. And they're very costly because retired people have the highest health expenses.

Another point: universal health cover in France is meant to provide healthcare to the pauper and homeless people. Those who cannot afford healthcare. I don't see why English retired people in France should fall into this category - they should pay for themselves as they can afford it. Otherwise, they're obviously threatening the balance of the French welfare system - which already needs to cut expenses!

Lau, Angers, France

I would like to make the point that universal healthcare in France (CMU) is means tested and only free to those on a very low income. My husband and I live on his modest private pension (he's a retired engineer). Since our cover under the UK system ran out we've contributed towards our health care costs in France. For example we contributed 1005 euro to the CMU in 2006. In addition we have taken out a mutuelle to pay for top up not covered by the State (a further 110 euro per month). Although we've found these outgoings very hard to meet at times we did do our research before coming to live in France so knew about them. We never wished or intended to be free loaders on the French system. What we do object to is the sudden moving of the goalposts which it appears may leave us and many people who have been paying into the CMU no longer able to afford cover. No amount of research or enquiry before deciding whether to come to live in France could have covered this eventuality.

Stephanie McLean, Var, France

Not everyone who retires abroad is rich. We live in France on £1100 monthly and savings have been decreasing to meet bills such as Christmas.

We don't have £200 a month to spare - and was that per person or per couple?

And what is retirement age? 60 or 65? For both sexes?

If all these Brits are going to sell their French homes, what will happen to all this property? The French don't want it. They moved out of the country years ago, and many young French are living in the SE of England, where they get free health treatment. What will happen to property prices in France? What will happen to villages where the Brit contingent actually keep village life going? I realise this is of no significance to the smug contributors here, but has M. Sarkozy thought it through?

And since I still pay my NI stamp in the UK, why shouldn't I get EITHER free treatment in the UK, OR be treated in France as a French national? I'm paying my dues.

Britain: home of the snide. Who would wish to live there?

Paul Timberlake, Agen, France

I do not disagree with this happening, what I believe is that UK should follow suite and now tighten up with those in UK without British Passports. Perhaps a part paid service for those deciding to settle in Britain, after all, our NHS service in the UK is pushed to its limits financially and can no longer support extra traffic especially created by those other EU countries tightening up.

Jan Payne, Mayenne, France

I can't quite understand how this change in health care provision will work under EU law, under whch citizens of each country are netitled to the same care that is given to citizens of country in which they are staying. So a UK citizen receiving medical care in France gets the same treatment as a French citizen (ie not all hospital care is covered, about 20% has to be paid over and above the costs covered by the state) . And so on country by country. No amount of indignation of the 'I pay my taxes' variety affects this. Moneca Fox, although not a UK
taxpayer is entitled to free health care when she is in the UK. Does she complain that this is unfair to UK taxpayers?

Diotima, London, UK

I know nothing of french politics and while this might appear to be a brutal move it makes perfect sense. The french president is only looking after his people's money, which is one of his jobs. It's just a shame we don't have the same sort of direct and severe approach in this country.

kim, London, England

So how will this affect people UNDER retirement age who live permanently in France and have a long term medical condition?

Sorrel, France, France

Any amount of financial planning would not prepare you for the year in year out increases that would follow as you became older and an increased risk to the Insuarnce Company . Just look at the cost of their basic denistry!
France accepted being part of the EU and all that goes with it and if they are acting legally then the reverse must be true. I would expect our government to apply the same to our healthcare.
2,500 is a single price and what about those with large families and I don't consider getting subsidised health care in France anymore a case of free loading than if I received care from the NHS.
It's just another example of the UK allowing it former citizens to be maltreated. Why shouldn't they take advantage of free travel and residency within member states?
France's new prime minister is appealing to extremists who still view expats with distain. If he truly wanted to sort the healthcare issue out then they should look closer to home, but he dare not!!

John Duncan Pawson, Bordeaux,

Well, I don't even understand why the French should pay for foreign retired people - even if they're old enough for retirement.

The choice to have a high quality social welfare system is aleady crippling the french economy. It's a choice that has made them less competitive than England and the French pay taxes for it all their lives.

People who got rich in England have never contributed to this system. And they're very costly because retired people have the highest health expenses.

Another point: universal health cover in France is meant to provide healthcare to the pauper and homeless people. Those who cannot afford healthcare. I don't see why English retired people in France should fall into this category - they should pay for themselves as they can afford it. Otherwise, they're obviously threatening the balance of the French welfare system - which already needs to cut expenses!

Lau, Angers, France

Sarkozy's dead right and we should follow suit.

Liz Read, Bristol,

Most of this sort of national decree has an equal and opposite reaction - so in UK, so I presume that the 300,000 French Residents in London will now pay for their health care here??? Not to mention all the others around the country.

Quite agree with the above view by Moneca.

Fiona,

Fiona Warton, Storrington, UK

As somenone who has a house in France, I don't see why the French should be expected to subsidise the early retirement of foreigners. Once you get to retirement age, health care is free, and if you are operating on such a low margin that £2500 is crippling, perhaps you should have paid more attention to your financial planning in the first place.
Mr Mochan's sort of pomposity and free-loading is what will make the British unwelcome settlers in France!

elaine hunt, oxford, england

couldnt give a monkeys, most of them are ex civil servants who get gold plated index linked pensions paid for out of our ever increasing council tax

derek james, gosport,

Oh dear ! More whingeing Poms !
Why on earth should French taxpayers (who include Brits like my husband and I) and workers, who pay exorbitant social security charges, subsidise those wealthy enough to retire early ? Particularly those who, like the impoverished (sic) ex High Commissioner, can't be bothered to check the facts before coming.
The French government is actually enforcing existing regulations. UK citizens of retirement age who have paid their NI contributions in full are entitled to a form E121 and will be treated as are French nationals. Those under the age may be entitled to 2 years if they qualify for a form E106. Otherwise, genuine emergencies are free. Others have to pay some 8% of their income in tax to join the French system.
France is not little England in the sun for those trying to escape from the real world. The French government is struggling balance its books.
Grow up, pay up or go home. The whingers you report will not be missed.

Patricia Kirwan, Montpeyroux, France

Yes, this will affect those that have "retired", but not those of us working over here and paying into the French system, a large chunk goes from my pay packet each month for family health cover........ so why should those who don't contribute get free care when they are often quite able to pay?

Liz, Cerizay, France

As those of us, French or any other European nationality, pay half our income to the state to support a very good health-care system, I don't think there will be many tears shed over the problems of those people on a private pension or living on equity/savings who contribute nothing to the system!

Stephanie Godwin, La Chapelle au Riboul, France

A British High Commissioner eh? Well let's make a guess of £135,000 - £150,000 per annum as salary, plus probably about £25,000 p.a. expenses, plus free house, free furniture, free world travel for his family, boarding school fees for his children and goodness knows what else free in his working life. Then early retirement, all expenses back to the country paid, a generous resettlement allowance and a nice pension of perhaps £80,000 - £100,000 p.a. But he doesn't want to live in the country which has supported him in luxury all those years because it's gone a bit down-market,don't you know, so off to the Haute-Pyrenees where life's a bit more civilised. And then he complains that France, a country he's never paid a penny of tax to, doesn't want to pick up his medical bills. Doesn't your heart just bleed for these people. Fancy being asked to actually PAY for something. Unheard of old chap.

eric campbell, harrogate, uk

Oh wouldn't this be wonderful if it applied to people entering the UK why should they be entitled to everything free then perhaps so many English retired people would not feel the need to leave their own country, and so many hangers on enter the UK.

Moneca fox, Plomb,

On the face of it, a mad move by the French Government. They may not be working and not paying income tax but look at how much they are spending in the local economy, including rates. How many French businesses have enjoyed the English arrival - lawyers, builders, decorators?

How about a united EU?
Doesn't the cost of healthcare get charged back to the home country anyway?

Keith Lawson, Poole, UK

I do hope we will be reciprocating? It's time our National Health Service stopped treating all the foreigners who wash up on our shores. Then we could afford to look after our own people, who are treated as second & third class citizens just to keep the immigrants happy.

And don't bother trying to tell me that the N.H.S. would collapse if it wasn't for all the immigrants who work in it! If we didn't treat the whole world for free the system wouldn't be under such strain!!

SwordofAlbion, london,

Wasn't I led to believe that the cost of an individual Brits healthcare in France was re-imbursed to the french system by the UK authorities????
This'd be a devastating blow to those brits who've moved to france and can't afford to go home because house prices have SOARED in the UK to such an enormous extent !!
I thought we had reciprocal arrangements that meant that the french living here were getting the same quid pro quo arrangements????

Harold Smythe, Lymingtom, UK

Why should British people who have not paid into the system benefit from it especially since I often read reports about how much better the French system is?

I work on a freelance basis in Germany. You don't think I get free health care, do you? I pay for it. I have private health insurance through an expat scheme run by a company in the UK, which covers all my medical needs across Europe.

I tell you... if these were 'immigrants' in the UK and they were getting free health care, then I'm sure the British would be the first to complain.

Tina, Duesseldorf, Germany

No doubt this will be sorted out by Brussels and France etc. told they must provide healthcare albeit paid for by the EU citizen's country of origin. Otherwise the freedom of movement which is part of the EU's charter is worthless.

B J Deller, Marbella, Spain