Paying into French system, but not working in France

[scottwasp]

Hello all

First question: although I live in France I do not work in France, nor do I work in the UK (it's an offshore company).   My existing health cover is provided by an E106 however, this expires next year and will not be renewed by the UK as I no longer have a UK employer.

How do I go about paying into the French system for health cover (I already have a mutuelle)?   How much will I pay and will it entitle me to receive child benefit either in the UK or France for 1 child?   I do not have a UK residence.   I understand I will also have to pay voluntary contributions to the UK to keep my pension topped up.  I have a good few years to go before retiring.

Many thanks

[KathyC]

The company may be offshore, but where do you actually do your work? I think that this could be an important factor in it. Where do you pay tax? Or is that a naive question?

[scottwasp]

Because of the nature of the job (maritime) it is both tax and ni exempt in the UK. The centre for non residents inform me that for ongoing health cover I must pay to the French system, so this is what I am trying to find out about.   As far as paying tax in France goes, so far it hasn't been an issue as I've been paying to the UK.   It's for next year I need to get it sorted.

[KathyC]

Sorry for any misunderstanding, when you say offshore you mean offshore! I hope that someone else can help you.

Best wishes

[cooperlola]

Get a good accountant and they will answer these questions for you.  I use www.sfpn.com (English Speaking) - they will also be handy when you fill in your first tax return! - but I am sure there are others.