Health Blog
Ten changes for health in France in 2023
We look at how the carte Vitale and prescriptions will go digital, the changing role of nurses and pharmacists and more
Medical check-ups at key life stages
Free medical check-ups are to be offered to all residents at 25, 45, and 65 to prevent common health problems developing as people age.
At 25, this will include checking on vaccinations, exercise, addictions, and difficulties at the start of professional life. People will also be reminded of the need to have a GP.
At 45, the doctor will focus on cancer-testing, especially in relation to breast, colon or prostate, as well as mental health.
At 65, they will focus on autonomy and testing for cancers and preventable conditions.
Retirement plans will be discussed.
Free contraception
The ‘morning after’ pill will be available free to all women without a prescription.
This previously applied only to under-18s.
People aged 18-25 will also be able to obtain free condoms at pharmacies.
Screening
Screening without prescription for STDs other than HIV is to be fully reimbursable for those aged under 26.
An obligatory screening for newborns against sickle cell disease (drépanocytose) is also being put in place in a three-year trial.
Intensive care beds
The government promises to add an extra 1,000 intensive care unit beds and increase the number of staff working in the units.
Vaccinations at pharmacy
Access to vaccinations is to be made easier, as pharmacists, nurses and midwives will be able to prescribe and administer them for other vaccines apart from flu and Covid (eg. diphtheria, tetanus and polio, hepatitis A and B).
More responsibility for nurses
A trial will be run in parts of France into authorising nurses to sign off death certificates.
Also, in a three-year experiment, nurses with advanced qualifications will be allowed to take on patients directly, rather than having their care prescribed by a doctor, and the patient will be fully reimbursed.
Smoking
Tobacco prices will rise on average 50 centimes, as part of efforts to persuade people to give up.
Out-of-hours care
Nurses, midwives and dentists will be asked to give out-of-hours care in areas where there is a lack of doctors on call for evenings and weekends.
Digital carte Vitale and prescriptions
A digital version of the carte Vitale health card is to be rolled out across France but no date for this has yet been set. The idea is currently being trialled in 12 departments.
Known as the e-carte d’assurance maladie, it works via a smartphone app called appCV. It is an option and physical cards will continue
Disability help
People with mental disabilities will be eligible for up to three hours of help a day from a carer under prestation de compensation du handicap aid where they face issues with carrying out tasks in daily life.
Deaf-blind people can also have 30 to 80 hours of help a month.
More ...
This year is also expected to see more use of ‘electronic prescriptions’ with prescriptions being stored in a digital format and linked to patients’ online medical records.
Related article
Source : https://www.connexionfrance.com/article/Practical/Health/Carte-Vitale-prescriptions-Ten-changes-for-health-in-France-in-2023?utm_source=Master+List&utm_campaign=008576c996-NON_SUBS_NEWSLETTER_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9b5fbe85b4-008576c996-357795954
Prevention: free medical consultations will be offered to 25, 45 and 65 year olds
“We are entering the era of prevention,” welcomed the French Minister of Health, François Braun, in the Journal du Dimanche .
Free medical consultations will be offered to French people at “ three ages of life, 25 years old, 45 years old and 65 years old ”, in order to strengthen the prevention component of the French health system, announced Sunday the Minister of Health, François Braun, in an interview with the JDD . " We are entering the era of prevention " with this measure which will be incorporated into the next social security financing bill, explains the minister, who insists: " We are going to take better care of children, who benefit from 20 examinations up to 16 years old, but also follow these generations during their lifetime ”.
For adults aged 25, it will be a question of “ taking stock of vaccines, their physical activity, possible addictions or difficulties linked to the start of professional life ”. They will also be alerted to " the need to have a doctor and the cardiovascular risk ". At 45, the consultation will focus on " the need to participate in screening for breast, colon or prostate cancer " and will allow " an assessment of physical activity and possible mental health disorders " . Finally, at age 65 will be discussed “ the prevention of loss of autonomy, screening for cancers and all diseases that can be prevented ”.
" This five-year term will be that of a vast reform of our health and prevention policy ", promised François Braun at the beginning of September during a trip to Marseille.
Source Link : https://www.lefigaro.fr/social/prevention-des-consultations-medicales-gratuites-seront-proposees-a-25-45-et-65-ans-20220918
Psychological support : 8 sessions per year reimbursed
Under the "MonPsy" scheme, consultations with a private psychologist will be fully reimbursed by the health insurance system and health insurers from 5 April 2022.
This new financial coverage is subject to various conditions and limits. Explanations.
Discover the new french online health space
French Health Minister Olivier Véran is launching the digital medical record.
This individualized space, which will be created automatically by May 2022, will collect all medical health documents and will soon offer other functions. To discover it, click on the link below "mon espace santé" Then "right click" with your mouse to automatically translate it into English
Seven French contracts to renegotiate this September and how to do it
Save money by getting better deals. September is one of the best times of year to change insurance contracts in France.
Change health insurance providers anytime
As of December 2020, health insurance contracts can be ended at any time of the year after the first 12 months of a contract, with no financial penalties.
Ending a contract is relatively simple, and can be done by sending a message via an online account or an email.
Health insurance prices have risen significantly in recent years, going up 5.3% in 2021, meaning average additional charges of €79.
However, Capital estimates that changing contracts could help make significant savings. For example, a non-salaried worker could save up to €26 per month, or €312 per year.
source : www.connexionfrance.com
How unvaccinated people can use France’s health passport
A health passport is now required to access a range of venues in France including bars, cafés, tourist sites and long-distance travel. For those who are not yet fully vaccinated, accessing the passport is still possible, but more complicated. Here's how it works.
source : www.thelocal.fr
Need a PCR Test in the south of France ?
We highly recommend
PACALAB
Medical Analysis Laboratory
They have an English staff and can come to you for special situations including yachts and Cannes Film Festival.
135 Avenue de la Liberté 06220 Golfe Juan
French 04 92 38 04 47
English 06 03 27 01 06
Covid-19 : how to be vaccinated?
How is the vaccination organized in France?
January 2021
Where to get vaccinated ?
You can be vaccinated at a vaccination center, by a mobile team, the Doctor or the Parmacist
Before vaccination
When you arrive, the healthcare professionals will check that the vaccine is recommended for you.
They will answer your questions. You will be asked if you agreee to be vaccinated: you can choose to accept or refuse
To ask for an appointment in vaccination center near you :
Call 0 800 009 110 (toll free), via internet www.sante.fr, or ask a doctor, pharmacist, the town hall
The vaccine
To be protected, you need 2 injections a few weeks apart
in practice
-The vaccine is free
-Keep the document with the name of the vaccine (to have 2 injections of the same vaccine)
-Take your "carte vitale". If you don't have one, you can still be vaccinated.
After vaccinated
There are very few effects from the vaccine. For 1 or 2 days, you may feel some pain in your arm, have a headache or some fever.
List of translator and interpreters in France
Updated 14 September 2020
The following list of translators and interpreters has been prepared by the British Consulate for the convenience of British Nationals who may require these services and assistance in France. It is provided on the understanding that we the British Consulate do not assume or undertake any legal responsibility, to you, or those affected, if you choose to take it into account when instructing a local translator or interpreter.
Further and alternatively, we cannot accept any liability to any person or company for any financial loss or damage arising from the use of this information or from any failure to give information
Our aim is to provide our customers with as much relevant information to enable them to make better-informed decisions but our lists are not recommendations and should not be treated as such.
This list is in alphabetical order :
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/france-list-of-translators-and-interpreters/list-of-translator-and-interpreters-in-france
The French social security system for salaried workers
You want to know how social security works in France?
Get the original information (and in English) :
07/09/2020
link : https://www.cleiss.fr/docs/regimes/regime_france/an_index.html
Healthcare for UK nationals living in France
Healthcare if you live and work in France
You can apply to be covered by the French healthcare system (‘PUMA’) if you have been a resident in France for at least 3 months. If you’re employed in France, you can apply as soon as you start work. You’ll have access to state healthcare on the same basis as a French citizen.
You’ll pay for PUMa through social security contributions if you are employed or self-employed in France.
If you are not employed you may have to pay into PUMa yourself. There’s more information on the CPAM website (in French).
If you’re living in France before the end of 2020, your rights to access healthcare in France will stay the same for as long as you remain legally resident.
This means you’ll continue to get state healthcare in France from 1 January 2021 on the same basis as a French resident.
You’ll also have the right to apply for a UK S1 if you start drawing a UK State Pension.
How to register
You can apply for PUMa through your local CPAM office. There’s information about how to register online.
You’ll get a French social security number and once registered, you’ll get a social security card, called a ‘Carte Vitale’. Take it with you whenever you visit a doctor, pharmacy or specialist provider.
How much you’ll pay
State healthcare in France is not free. You may have to pay some of the cost of any treatment.
Make sure you understand what you’ll be charged and how much of that you will get back through insurance. There’s information (in French) about reimbursements online.
You can also get top-up insurance called a ‘mutuelle’. This will cover all or part of your medical costs.
Regular update & Source : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-in-france-including-martinique-and-guadaloupe
02/09/2020
How to prepare for Brexit?
Following the ratification of the withdrawal agreement, the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union took effect on 1 February 2020. This agreement provides for a transition period to run until 31 December 2020, during which time all of your rights as a British citizen will be upheld.
Pursuant to the withdrawal agreement, you will only be required to hold a “withdrawal agreement” residence permit as of 1 July 2021.
Due to the sanitary crisis, the opening of the https://contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr website, initially planned on 1st July 2020, has been postponed to the 1st of October, 2020.
Also in accordance with the withdrawal agreement, British citizens without dual nationality are no longer eligible to vote or stand in local (élections municipales) and European elections held in France as of the withdrawal date.
This part of the website has links to the pages dealing with all the issues with which you may be faced, depending on your personal circumstances. Detailed information is also available on the websites of the relevant ministries. If you cannot find information relating to your situation, there is a Brexit contact in each ministry who deals with all the relevant subjects.
source : https://brexit.gouv.fr/sites/brexit/accueil/vous-etes-britannique-en.html
01/09/2020
UK tourists will not have valid health insurance in France
14 August 2020
This is due to the British Foreign Office (FCO) changing its advice for people travelling to France to “only essential travel”, meaning that anyone planning to go on holiday will not be covered by private insurance.
A spokesperson for insurance company AllClear said that it recommends people thinking very carefully about the risks of travelling right now.
“We can’t emphasise strongly enough that travel against FCO advice invalidates cover,” it stated.
Tourists will still be covered by a valid European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) if they have one. This will only cover basic medical costs, though, and so any additional treatment, which can be expensive, people will have to pay themselves.
Anyone choosing to cancel their trips because of the new quarantine rules are unlikely to be able to claim money back from their insurer.
“Cancellation cover would not be offered under travel insurance if the [FCO] advice changes specifically due to Covid-19,” the AllClear spokesperson told Connexion before the advice changed. This is likely to be the same for other insurers too.
However, AllClear did say that if a person is already on holiday in France and the FCO advice changes, as it now has, then their insurance with AllClear would not be affected.
“We believe this to be an event out of their control and cover should be available for costs incurred as result of the change in advice that are not recoverable from the holiday provider or airline where people have to change travel plans or cut short their holiday,” the spokesperson told Connexion.
This is not guaranteed to be the same with every insurance provider and any British tourist in France right now should check this with their insurer.
The British government announced late on Thursday (August 13) that all travellers from France and Monaco arriving in the UK from 04:00 Saturday, August 15, will need to self-isolate for two weeks.
Read more about how quarantine will affect tourists here:
source : https://www.connexionfrance.com/French-news/UK-tourists-to-France-health-insurance-now-invalid
France-UK quarantine: how would my insurance be affected?
12 August 2020
Short answer: probably yes.
A spokesperson from British price comparison website MoneySupermarket told Connexion that it depends on the insurer.
“Most insurance policies will keep you on cover, as long as you purchased your policy and travelled before this was announced. There are some policies underwritten by AXA that will also cover the cost to get you home in this instance,” the spokesperson said.
It is important then to check with your insurer before travelling.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has fuelled speculation that France could be added to the UK's quarantine list after he said he would “not hesitate” to bring in restrictions for more countries.
This would mean that anyone travelling from France to the UK would be required to self-isolate for two weeks. It could also result in the UK Foriegn Office (FCO) advising against travel to France. In this case, anyone who still chooses to go ahead with travel plans against the advice of the FCO would not be covered by private insurance.
You will still be covered by a valid European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) if you have one. This will only cover basic medical costs, though, and so any additional treatment, which can be expensive, you will have to pay yourself.
There are some important factors to consider if quarantine measures are imposed by the UK on France, but travel advice is not changed.
For example, if anyone has a holiday to France booked with travel insurance and the UK government announces quarantine measures prompting the person to decide to cancel the trip, it is unlikely travellers will be able to claim their money back.
“Customers will not be able to claim on their insurance policy if they choose not to take their trip, as this is classed as ‘disinclination to travel’,” the MoneySupermarket spokesperson said.
However, some insurance companies may pay out for other coronavirus-related reasons, such as cancellation because someone in the travelling group contracts the virus.
Read more about how insurance could be affected here.
A spokesperson for insurance company AllClear said that they recommend people thinking very carefully about the risks of travelling right now.
“We can’t emphasise strongly enough that travel against FCO advice invalidates cover,” they stated.
Travel expert Paul Charles, CEO and founder of tourism consultancy PC Agency is quoted by leading UK media as being in the know on UK government’s decisions on quarantine.
He told Connexion that France, where coronavirus cases are rising sharply, is on a “cliff-edge” and close to falling into the quarantine category.
He said if a decision is made, it should be expected on Thursday, as that is the day the government usually reviews its Covid-19 overseas policies and decides whether new quarantine regulations should be imposed or extended to more countries. However, he said the government could make an announcement earlier and at any time.
Tips from MoneySupermarket:
When you’re looking for holiday insurance, make sure you include these minimum levels of single-trip cover:
Medical cover of £1.5M will be all anyone should need. (We are not aware of any claim larger than £1.5M in the UK)
Personal liability cover in the region of £1 million
Cancellation cover equal to or higher than the value of your holiday (include excursions etc)
Baggage and personal belongings cover that equals the cost of replacing any personal items you take with you (although remember that most travel policies assume you have expensive items covered on your home insurance so there is usually a low value for a single article limit. Most providers also require receipts, so make sure if you buy anything new for your trip that you hold onto these).
Personal money cover which matches the amount of cash that you plan to take with you, which could be up to £500
Excess: aim for a low excess no more than £100, otherwise if you claim for £250 of personal money or a pair of lost sunglasses, you may find you have very little change.
source : https://www.connexionfrance.com/Practical/Your-Questions/France-UK-quarantine-how-would-my-insurance-be-affected
Guidance : Living in FranceOfficial information British people moving to and living in France need to know, including Brexit guidance, residency, healthcare and driving.
follow the updated link : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-france
Online procedure to request a residence permit in France for British citizens residing in france before the UK's withdrawal date from the EU, in case of a no deal brexit
For whom is this service meant?
This online service is meant for British citizens as well as their family members (spouse, children and parents of British nationality or third-country nationals residing on the French territory before the United Kingdom’s withdrawal date from the European Union, in case of a no-deal Brexit.
As of when will the residence permit be mandatory?
Having a residence permit will be mandatory as of October 31, 2020 for all people over the age of 18(1). Until October 31, 2020, your rights in terms of residency, employment as well as all of your social rights will continue.
You will have a six-month period as of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal date (i.e. until 04/30/2020) in order to request a residence permit.
The residence permits obtained before the United Kingdom’s withdrawal date from the EU will remain valid for one year. They will need to be exchanged during this period, including permanent residence permits.
How to prepare your online residence permit request?
In order to carry out your request, you will need to send a photograph or scan of your passport as well as one or several additional documents depending on your situation (see link to chart :
https://contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr/static/minint/pdf/PO19090367-Use_Case_V16.pdf
Make sure you have all these documents before starting the online process.
The photographed or scanned documents must be in one of the following formats: .pdf, .png, .jpeg or .jpg.
Each document sent over as proof must be named differently.
The maximum size of each file cannot exceed 5 Mb.
What are the different steps when requesting a residence permit?
After filling out the administrative information and downloading your documents, a confirmation of your request will be sent by email with a number confirming your registration.
Once your file has been processed, an email will be sent to you in order to make an appointment at the prefecture to finalize your request (fingerprinting, photo, proof of fee payment).
Your residence permit will be sent to your home.
In case you experience any difficulty with the procedure, you can write to contact-demandeenligne-brexit-dgef@interieur.gouv.fr .
(1) People between the ages of 16 and 18 on this date must also submit a residence permit request through this service when they would like to exercise a professional activity.
source : https://contacts-demarches.interieur.gouv.fr/brexit/brexit-residence-permit-application/
Brexit updates : this page was last updated on Oct. 16 2019.
We’re ready for the UK’s exit from the European Union
The international health insurance policies we sell from our UK office (AXA Global Healthcare (UK) Limited) in Europe are underwritten by UK insurer, AXA PPP healthcare Limited.
With details of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) still being negotiated, it’s not clear if EU residents* will be able to get their health insurance from UK insurers in the future.
To make sure our customers in the EU remain covered after Brexit we are now working with a new insurer who can offer cover in the EU.
The information on this page only applies to EU residents* on the International Health plan or European Health Cover. If you’re not an EU resident, including if you’re a UK resident, nothing will change.
*By EU residents we mean residents in all European Economic Areas (EEA) countries including: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
About my international health insurance cover
I already have an international health insurance policy underwritten by AXA PPP healthcare Limited. Is my cover going to change?
To make sure you can continue your cover with AXA we will be transferring the underwriting of your international health insurance policy to another insurer within the AXA Group. From your renewal date, the new insurer of your plan will be AXA Insurance dac. There won’t be any changes to your policy benefits as a result of the change of insurer and you can still contact the same global team should you need to make a claim.
If you’re transferring my international health policy to another AXA insurer, when will this change take place?
Although we still do not know which route the UK’s exit from the EU will take, at your first renewal date after 29th March, you’ll be offered cover from AXA Insurance dac. There won’t be any changes to your benefits as a result of this and there won't be any changes to who you contact should you wish to make a claim.
Who will send me the terms of my cover?
We have recently opened a new office in the Republic of Ireland so the terms of your cover will now be arranged by AXA Global Healthcare (EU) Limited. You will start to see this and your new insurer, AXA Insurance dac, on the policy documents sent you.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the offer I’ve received?
If you have questions about your cover or your premium, just call the number shown on your offer letter and you will be transferred to our colleagues in AXA Global Healthcare (EU) Limited who can discuss your offer with you.
Will any of my international health insurance policy benefits change?
Don’t worry - there will not be any changes to the benefits on your international health policy as a result of transferring the underwriting of your policy to AXA Insurance dac. AXA – Global Healthcare continuously reviews the plans we offer to make sure they offer our customers comprehensive cover, so you may see some changes to your plan, but these are not as a result of Brexit or your new underwriter.
If I have a new insurer, does this mean my premium will increase?
Every year AXA – Global healthcare’s premiums and plans are reviewed to make sure they take into account the rate of medical inflation and market trends. So although at your renewal you are likely to see an increase in the premium you pay, it will not be because the insurer who underwrites your plan has changed.
Could this change impact any of my legal rights with regards to my policy?
With details of the UK’s exit from the European Union still being negotiated, we cannot say with any certainty if there will be any impact. However, as this becomes clearer, we will of course update any impacted customers.
Will the currency I use to pay for my premium, or make a claim, change?
No - you can continue to pay for your policy and submit claims for reimbursement, using the same currencies as were available before.
Making claims
Will any claims on my AXA PPP healthcare Limited underwritten policy still be honoured after Brexit?
Yes. There will be no impact on any ongoing claims, or any claims you wish to make on your international health plan as a result of Brexit. All that will change is the AXA insurer who underwrites your policy.
Will there be any changes to who I call if I need to talk about my policy or want to make a claims?
No. We don't anticipate any changes the teams you speak with or the telephone numbers you use.
Will claims still be paid in the same currency?
Yes, we won’t be making any changes to the way we pay claims on our international health policies.
I've renewed my policy, will anything change before my next renewal?
How will I know if my policy is impacted?
You should have received communications from us between November 2018 and March 2019 asking for your consent to share your data so we can make sure your cover with AXA continues. Unless you have specifically asked us not to, our colleagues in AXA Global Healthcare (EU) Limited will send your offer to you for your next renewal date. You will see details of AXA Insurance dac and AXA Global Healthcare (EU) Limited on your policy documents.
If you’re transferring my plan to another insurer, will I still have the opportunity to cancel?
Yes, our colleagues at AXA Global Healthcare (EU) Limited will send you your offer letter before your renewal date and if you have any changes you need to make to your cover or if you wish to cancel, you can call our colleagues and they will be able to help you. Details of your cancellation period are detailed on your offer letter.
Is there anything that I need to do?
No, we have it all in hand so you can continue to use your international health policy as you usually would.
Who can I contact to discuss this with?
If you have any further questions on how we’re planning to make sure your international health insurance plan will continue to cover you when Brexit takes place, which aren’t answered here, please call us on +44 (0) 1892 503 856*.
* Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We may record and/or monitor calls for quality assurance, training and as a record of our conversation.
Do I live in a country that will be impacted?
Which countries will this impact?
The countries impacted are; Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
I live outside of the European Union will this impact me?
No, if you do not reside in a country within the European Union, your international health insurance policy will continue to be underwritten by AXA PPP healthcare Limited.
If I regularly travel to countries within the European Union will my cover be impacted?
No, if you do not reside in a country within the European Union your international health insurance policy will not be impacted, even if you travel within the European Union regularly.
Last published on 21st March 2019
link : https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/members/preparing-for-brexit/
Brexit Advice for AXA travel insurance customers
Brexit updates : this page was last updated on Mon Sep 23 2019.
To the best of our knowledge, the information below was full and correct at that time
– with no deal yet in place. We’ll continue to update this page as the political situation develops but it might take time for us to reassess how political decisions will affect our customers. With important votes happening this week, our guidance could change
– but this page is where you’ll find the latest information we have. Thanks for bearing with us.
We know that there’s a lot of uncertainty around Brexit and what it means for UK citizens visiting EU countries. If the UK does leave the EU without a deal in place, and you’re planning a holiday abroad, you’ll probably have some questions about how your insurance policy may be affected.
The UK government has issued detailed advice on health care when travelling abroad, and we’ve also collected some information that our customers may need to be aware of here.
Because there’s lots about Brexit still to be finalised by the Government, we don’t want to give you information that could quickly become outdated. That’s why we’ll update this information as the situation develops, so you’ll know you’re seeing the most up-to-date information we have at that time.
European Health Insurance Card
What is the European Health Insurance Card?
A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you access to state-provided healthcare if you are resident in the UK.
It’s free from Department of Health and it’s a good idea to get one, however, it’s not a substitute for having proper travel insurance in place as it won’t cover all medical costs, or the cost of emergency repatriation back to the UK.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the EHIC will no longer apply.
Will AXA cover me for healthcare currently provided under EHIC?
Your AXA travel insurance will continue to cover you up to the limits stated in your policy or schedule if you need emergency treatment while you’re abroad.
However, some pre-planned routine treatments like dialysis or oxygen therapy, which are available under the European Health Insurance Card, are not covered under your travel policy.
Cancellations and compensation
Will my AXA travel policy compensate me if an airline cancels my travel because they are unable to fly to Europe after Brexit?
If your flights are cancelled, you should get some or all of your money back from your transport provider. How much depends upon how your holiday was booked.
Package Holiday
— If you’re travelling on a package holiday, you should get in contact with your tour operator about a refund. They should be able to refund all of the money you paid for your package holiday. And if you have expenses booked outside of the package holiday (like separate airport parking, for example) these will be covered if you’ve taken out travel disruption or a similar insurance cover.
Independent Travellers
— If you organised your flights and accommodation separately then you will be entitled to a refund of your flight costs from your airline. Any costs for unused accommodation will be covered if you have travel disruption or a similar insurance cover.
Travel disruption is not provided on all travel policies, so it’s a good idea to double check the cover you have bought.
If additional security checks are put in place in airports or ferry ports which causes me to miss my trip due to delays, am I covered?
No. Missed Departure only covers you if you fail to arrive at your departure point on time. We recommend you check with your airline or ferry company to see their latest advice on how early you need to arrive at your departure point.
What happens if I’m already abroad and the Brexit deal means flights back to the UK will be cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled, under UK and EU law your airline is not allowed to leave you high and dry. Your airline must find you an alternative flight and provide care and assistance. This usually includes food, drink, access to communications and accommodation if necessary.
How much will insurance cost after Brexit?
Will my AXA travel insurance policy become more expensive if EHIC no longer applies?
Although the EHIC does have the effect of reducing of medical insurance claims in Europe, it’s too early for anyone to be able to predict whether its removal will affect prices.
You don’t need to carry an EHIC with your AXA Direct policy, so there won’t be any change to the terms and conditions resulting directly from its removal. As with all our products, the cover and terms of the policy are regularly reviewed to make sure they’re the right fit for our customers.
Pre-existing conditions
I have a pre-existing condition. Will I still be able to afford to travel in Europe?
It’s too early to be sure whether the removal of EHICs will affect availability and affordability of cover. AXA’s aim is to make cover available and affordable to as many of our customers as we can.
Without the EHIC protection, it’ll be even more important to make sure you have travel insurance that is right for your needs, to protect yourself against significant medical costs when previously you may have chosen to rely upon the EHIC.
Retiring abroad after Brexit
I have retired/am planning to retire in the EU. What access to healthcare will I get?
AXA’s travel insurance will only cover temporary stays abroad, for periods not exceeding the trip duration you have chosen. It doesn’t cover those who are living abroad on a permanent or semi-permanent basis and our travel policies require that, to be eligible for cover, customers have their main home in the UK and are registered with a doctor in the UK.
Link AXA CO UK Travel Insurance : https://www.axa.co.uk/travel-insurance/brexit/
ABOUT BREXIT
"British" residents in France fixed on their fate
Without an agreement with the European Union for Brexit, they will keep their rights to health care for two years.
09/02/2019
(google translation from French)
British nationals living in France know a little more about what could happen to them after Brexit, in the event that there is no agreement with the European Union. While the United Kingdom is due toleave the EU on March 30, 2019 at midnight, the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday has taken various measures in the area of citizens' rights.
The Minister of Solidarities and Health, Agnès Buzyn, has presented an order concerning in particular social rights and social benefits, applicable in case of absence of agreement. The text thus allows British nationals who are beneficiaries of the active solidarity income (RSA), residing in France on the date of withdrawal from the United Kingdom, to maintain their rights for a period of one year. It also ensures "the continuity of the care of health care, under the current conditions that derive from the law of the European Union, for a period of two years," says the minutes of the Council of Ministers. The ordinance also determines "the conditions for taking into account periods of insurance or employment completed in the United Kingdom". Finally, it provides for several measures "relating to the exercise of a professional activity in France whose conditions would be affected" by a Brexit without agreement.
Strict giving and giving
However, these measures remain subject to a strict "give and take". Clearly, they will only apply if reciprocal treatment is provided to French residents of Great Britain. The government has already provided that a decree may suspend the derogatory measures relating to the RSA and the care of health care, if the United Kingdom does not grant French nationals present on its soil a treatment equivalent.
Of the 150,000 British citizens living in France, a quarter live in New Aquitaine, according to INSEE, where they often own their homes, mostly inactive, half of them retired. Many arrived during the first decade of the twenty-first century, they have been installed for ten years on average. Conversely, some 300,000 French people live across the Channel.
Marie-Cécile Renault
Le Figaro
ABOUT THE BREXIT NEGOCIATIONSLastest updates for Healthsource : NHS European Office16/01/2019
Government loses vote on Brexit deal
MPs voted to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by 230 votes (14 January).
The UK is still on course to leave on 29 March but the defeat throws the manner of that departure - and the timing of it - into further doubt.
In her follow-up statement to MPs, Mrs May said she intends to return to the Commons next Monday with an alternative plan, but gave no indication what that plan would entail.
Reacting to the vote, the European Commission reiterated that it considers the Withdrawal Agreement "a fair compromise and the best possible deal" to reduce "the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe" and it urged the UK to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Read the Commission's full statement
No-deal Contingency Action Plan
On 19 December, the European Commission published a series of notices (Contingency Action Plan) to
help EU27 citizens prepare in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The notices cover a limited range of sectors that will be affected, including transport, citizens' rights, customs and financial services.
The notices will be temporary in nature, having affect only until the end of 2019 and are designed to ensure that certain aspects of Union life can continue as normal in the event that the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019 without a deal in place.
Among the proposals put forward by the Commission, several have implications for the health sector:
Customs Checks - all relevant EU legislation on imported and exported goods will apply as of the
withdrawal date. This includes the levying of duties and taxes and respect of the formalities and controls required by the current legal framework, in order to ensure a level playing field. This means that customs checks will be applied on goods which move between the UK and the EU.
Right to stay - UK nationals will not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180 day-period). A
residence permit from the member state will be required for stays longer than this. Member States
should take measures to ensure that UK citizens legally residing in the EU on the date of withdrawal will
continue to be considered legal residents.
Social security coordination - Union rules on social security coordination (which includes reciprocal
healthcare arrangements) will no longer apply to the United Kingdom. The Commission is urging
member states to address the concerns of those affected by taking steps "to ensure legal certainty and
protection of the social security entitlements acquired by citizens who exercised their right to free
movement prior to 30 March 2019". Further guidance will be published in due course.
Road haulage - the Commission will allow temporarily, for 9 months, access for road haulage operators
licensed in the United Kingdom to the carriage of goods by road between the territory of the latter and
the EU27 Member States.
Air transport - The EU Commission will ensure temporarily (for 12 months) the provision of certain air
services between the UK and the EU.
PEACE programme - given its importance, a Regulation will be put in place that will allow the
continuation of the PEACE programme in Northern Ireland until the end of 2020
Brexit negotiations
On 25 November, leaders of the EU27 approved the texts of the Withdrawal Agreement setting out the
terms of the divorce deal, and the political declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK. The UK Parliament was expected to vote on the deal on 11 December, but the Government has now postponed the vote until later date, yet to be confirmed.
Many of the key issues which the Brexit Health Alliance has raised are addressed at least to a degree in the Withdrawal Agreement, and this is welcome. The headline messages for the health and social care sector are as follows:
The agreement avoids a no-deal cliff-edge, confirming that a transition period will be in place until the
end of 2020, during which time the details of the future relationship will be finalised.
It guarantees the rights of UK citizens (including reciprocal and cross-border healthcare) in the EU and
vice-versa during transition, but without guarantees as to what will happen after the transition period
ends.
Free movement will end, the UK government has stated that the future immigration system will based on skills, not on where the person comes from.
There will be appropriate arrangements in the future relationship for reciprocal professional
qualifications.
In terms of supply chains of medicines and medical equipment, there will be a single customs territory between the EU and UK, no tariffs on goods, and deep regulatory co-operation during the transition period. This should avoid Brexit-related shortages and supply chain difficulties after 29 March 2019.
Goods licensed / authorised before the transition period can continue to be circulated in the EU.
Data sharing will continue during the transition, with an intention to have a future agreement in place by the end of the transition period.
The political declaration talks about continued co-operation on health security and participation in
programmes such as science and innovation.
The backstop of the UK and Northern Ireland remaining in a single customs territory will persist until an
alternative arrangement, agreed by an independent panel from both the UK and EU, is in place.
Once approved by both the UK and EU Parliaments, the Withdrawal Agreement would then allow
negotiations to begin in earnest on the details of the future relationship. Until then, the possibility of a no-deal remains, with concerning consequences for patients.
Q&A
Following agreement between the EU and the UK on the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement (WA) – which remains to be ratified by both parties - the European Commission has published a Question and Answer text on the rights of EU and UK citizens as they are outlined in the WA.
The text includes information on:
- who will be covered by the Agreement, with real-life examples
- what residency conditions must be met to be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement
- how will family members be treated
- how will citizens' rights contained within the Withdrawal Agreement be monitored post-Brexit - will the
- European Court of Justice have competence
- how will freedom of movement be handled during the transition period
will the mutual recognition of professional qualifications continue under the Withdrawal Agreement
- how will social security rules be handled under the Withdrawal Agreement and what will be the status of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
Technical notices from UK government
The government has published several in a series of papers setting out how the UK plans to deal with a rang of issues, including health, in the event that we leave the EU in March 2019 without an agreement.
The papers stress that both the UK and EU are working hard to negotiate a positive deal and that no-deal is unlikely. However they recognise that until they can be certain of the outcome of negotiations, they have a duty to prepare for all eventualities, however unlikely, to ensure business continuity.
Here we examine at the papers in more detail. Responding to the guidance, Niall Dickson, co-chair of the Brexit Health Alliance, said:
"What we need is a categorical assurance that patients will continue to get the medicines and treatment they
need, no matter what happens in the negotiations. This guidance is a first step, but only a first step, towards
that".
AXA GLOBAL HEALTHCAREGetting ready for the UK's exit from the EU
The international health insurance policies we sell from our UK office (AXA Global Healthcare (UK) Limited) in Europe are underwritten by UK insurer, AXA PPP healthcare Limited.
With details of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) still being negotiated, it’s not clear if EU residents* will be able to get their health insurance from UK insurers in the future.
Don’t worry – we’re taking action to make sure your policy will continue to cover you. If we need to, with your permission, we’ll transfer your policy to another insurer in Europe. We will be in touch with you nearer the time about what to expect.
The information on this page only applies to EU residents* on the International Health plan or European Health Cover. If you’re not an EU resident, including if you’re a UK resident, nothing will change.
*By EU residents we mean residents in all European Economic Areas (EEA) countries including: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
About my international health insurance cover
I already have an international health insurance policy underwritten by AXA PPP healthcare Limited. Is my cover going to change?
Don’t worry - if as a result of Brexit, it is necessary to transfer the underwriting of your international health policy to another insurer within the AXA Group, we don’t anticipate there will be any changes to your policy benefits. There won't be any changes to who you contact should you wish to make a claim.
Could this change impact any of my legal rights with regards to my policy?
With details of the UK’s exit from the European Union still being negotiated, we cannot say with any certainty if there will be any impact. However, as this becomes clearer, we will of course update any impacted customers.
Will any of my international health insurance policy benefits change
Don’t worry - we don't anticipate there will be any changes to the benefits on your international health policy if we transfer the underwriting of your policy to another AXA EU insurer.
Will the currency I use to pay for my premium, or make a claim, change?
No - you can continue to pay for your policy and submit claims for reimbursement, using the same currencies as were available before.
Who will I be insured by?
If as a result of Brexit we need to transfer the underwriter of your international health policy it will be to another insurer within the AXA Group. We will write to you to let you know if your policy is impacted and which AXA insurer we intend to use to underwrite your policy. We don’t anticipate there will be any changes to your benefits. There won't be any changes to who you contact should you wish to make a claim.
Will my cover end on the date the UK leaves the European Union?
No. We're making arrangements to make sure your international health cover will continue. We will let you know if it is necessary for us to transfer your policy to another underwriter in the AXA Group.
I’ve received an email/letter asking for my permission to share my data with another AXA insurer and your European hub. Why are you asking my permission?
We take the protection of your personal data seriously, which is why we're asking for your permission to share your data should we need to. When the UK leaves the EU on 29th March, we expect that UK insurers will no longer be able to cover people living in the European Economic Area unless a transition period is agreed. If there is a transition period, when your international health insurance plan renewal is due we'll offer you terms to continue your cover in the usual way but our European hub will send them, for cover with an AXA insurer who can provider cover in the EU. If there is no transition period, we will novate your insurance policy to the new AXA EU insurer (unless you tell us not to) in accordance with the terms in your membership handbook. We will contact you again if novation becomes necessary.
Making claims
Will any claims on my AXA PPP healthcare Limited underwritten policy still be honoured after Brexit?
Yes. There will be no impact on any ongoing claims, or any claims you wish to make on your international health plan as a result of Brexit. All that will change is the AXA insurer who underwrites your policy.
Will there be any changes to who I call if I need to talk about my policy or want to make a claims?
No. We don't anticipate any changes the teams you speak with or the telephone numbers you use.
Will claims still be paid in the same currency?
Yes, we won’t be making any changes to the way we pay claims on our international health policies.
I've renewed my policy, will anything change before my next renewal?
How will I know if my policy is impacted?
If as a result of Brexit we need to transfer the underwriter of your international health policy to another insurer within the AXA Group, we will write to you to let you know which AXA insurer we intend to use to underwrite your policy.
If as a result of Brexit you need to transfer my international health policy to another AXA insurer, when will this change take place?
We will let you know if it is necessary to transfer your policy, before doing anything, and will confirm when the transfer will take place.
When will I know if my policy will be transferred to another AXA insurer?
We continue to monitor Brexit developments and if we need to transfer the underwriter of your international health policy to another insurer within the AXA Group, we will write to let you know in advance along with details of which AXA insurer we intend to transfer your policy to.
Is there anything that I need to do?
No, we have it all in hand so you can continue to use your international health policy as you usually would.
Will I have the option to cancel my policy if it is transferred to another insurer?
If, as a result of Brexit, we need to transfer the underwriter of your international health policy to another insurer, within the AXA Group, we don’t anticipate there being any changes to your benefits or how you claim, and you will have the option to cancel your plan. We will write to you to let you know what your options are and will be happy to discuss these with you, at the time.
Who can I contact to discuss this with?
If you have any further questions on how we’re planning to make sure your international health insurance plan will continue to cover you when Brexit takes place, which aren’t answered here, please call us on +44 (0) 1892 556 274*.
Will the transfer of the underwriter of my international health insurance policy definitely happen?
Details of the UK’s exit from the European Union are still being negotiated and therefore it’s not clear if EU residents will be able to get their health insurance from UK insurers in the future or not. Our customers are our first priority, which is why we are making plans to leverage the wider capabilities of the global AXA Group, in case it becomes necessary to transfer your policy following Brexit.
* Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We may record and/or monitor calls for quality assurance, training and as a record of our conversation.
Do I live in a country that will be impacted?
Which countries will this impact?
The countries impacted are; Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
I live outside of the European Union will this impact me?
No, if you do not reside in a country within the European Union, your international health insurance policy will continue to be underwritten by AXA PPP healthcare Limited.
If I regularly travel to countries within the European Union will my cover be impacted?
No, if you do not reside in a country within the European Union your international health insurance policy will not be impacted, even if you travel within the European Union regularly.
Last published on 26th November 2018
SOURCE : https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/members/preparing-for-brexit/
19/01/2019 – The French Government wants to increase competition between complementary health insurance
According to our information, the Government wants to allow policyholders holding a complementary health or "mutuelle" to terminate their complementary health at any time with a notice of 1 month, once past the first year of subscription. Today, we have to wait for the anniversary date of the contract.
This measure must be included in the "Pact" law, currently under consideration in the Senate, via a government amendment that must be tabled at the beginning of the week.
This will apply to the three complementary families : “mutuelles”, insurers, and provident institutions.
The government's goal is to allow disaffected insureds to change their contracts more easily, without having to wait a year.