Jo Smith

  There seems to be an awful lot of taxes in France and I am a bit confused.  There is income tax, what percentage is this for the average earner?  I have also read about social security and health insurance but have conflicting answers.  Approx what percentage of your wage goes to cover all of the above, can anyone shed some light on this? I have also read that nobody is refused health insurance because of an existing problem, is this correct?  Do you pay higher premiums if this is the case?  Do you need a medical to get cover? My daughter suffers from ezcema, asthma and hayfever and my son from arthritis.  Would she be covered under our health insurance or do you pay for children as well, and if so at a higher cost if they suffer from the above? A lot of questions, but each book I read contradicts the previous one and I don't seem to be getting anywhere. Grateful for any info Jo 

We are hoping to move to France in the near future with our children aged, 14, 11, 9 and 7 and our primary concerns are employment and education.  My husband is a skilled mechanical engineer (CNC) and has previously worked in F1 and the aerospace industries, but I can't find any mention of this type of job on any of the websites I have visited.  Can anyone give us some much needed advice. Our two oldest children are not keen on the idea of moving and starting over.  I've heard the older the kids are, the harder it is for them to settle in and learn the language, is this true?   I've also had conflicting info with regard to the cost of living, is it more expensive than England?  If so would we be better to stay and struggle where we know? Are we dreaming an unrealistic dream? Any info would be great. Thanks Jo