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diabetes care in france


pam&ranaldPam & Ranald
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As a fellow I.D.D., we researched this thoroughly before moving to S-W France 3 months ago. The simple answer is 'yes', BUT you must first ensure entry into the French health system (CPAM) & be given a social security no.,so you need to contact Newcastle to check eligibility for E121/E106 or whatever (see health service questions at top of this forum.)

Once you have the appropriate E form (& get it BEFORE you move here), you must then go about getting into the French system - takes about 4 weeks - to get a social security no. When you have found a G.P. to your liking, s/he must write to CPAM telling them your partner is IDD, and then he will get everything to do with diabetes free (not other conditions) as it is one of the 30 long term serious conditions that has the 100% cover.

In case of any difficulties, I brought large supplies of insulin from the UK with me - we had to invest in a mini-fridge for the car.

We have been absolutely bowled over by the health care we've received here, even though we are out in the sticks. I'd had my annual diabetic check at the hospital just before we left the UK but my French GP here insisted I have full blood tests (4 bottles taken!!) here with her nurse. The results came through the post to me 2 days later, and were 10 times more comprehensive than any done in the U.K. at the hospital. I was ashamed to show her my annual results from home.

You will probably also need to take out some kind of top-up insurance for anything else. Before our social security no. came through, we had need of services as I fell & broke my shoulder, so there were x-rays, specialists' fees, follow-ups and now physio. We've had to pay upfront for all of this but it is gradually all being reimbursed. Each person's situation is different though.

Hope this helps. Good luck. It really is worth all the hassle to get here and into the system!

Liz in 47.

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As Liz said, everybody's situation is different. The only extra thing I would add is that there is no cast-iron guarantee that any condition will be 100% covered, this has to be agreed between the doctors and your health cover provider (in most cases this will be your local CPAM). There are certain conditions, and diabetes appears to be one - that are more likely to attract full cover. You have to make sure that the doctor you choose will recommend you get 100%. As you now have to nominate a regular doctor (medicin traitant) in France it will pay to ask a few questions before signing the forms at the GP's.

I can't imagine you won't get full cover for your husband's diabetes, it's just important to point out that it's not automatic. Even if you don't you will be covered, in simple terms, 70% for doctors' fees and 65% for important medicines (35% for others). This is the cover you will have for other ailments - even if he has 100% cover for diabetes you only get the standard cover for anything else, so it is a good idea to have top-up insurance as Liz says.

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Once your doctor has told CPAM that you are eligable for free diabetes care you get all your supplies and blood tests free - I think the terminology is ALD 30. I had no problem getting my 2 insulins from the local pharmacy but for peace of mind you might like to take a sample in to yours to check availability before you actually need it. I did as above and brought plenty over when we moved.

Graham

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