Chronic illness insurance and prescriptions

[p_underwood]

Is there an English-language site or person anywhere that can give a definitive answer on contributions to the French health scheme and for prescriptions? I am 52 and receive a pension from my former employers. My wife is 51 and receives DLA (Higher) because of a chronic back problem. Because of this and other problems she needs prescriptions constantly, the value being around 100 per week in the UK. Of course, the prescription prepayment system means that she actually pays a lesser annual amount.

DLA is not payable in France. I know that I will pay 8% of income over the qualifying amount to the French system, but two essential questions remain. One, will it be possible to obtain cover for the shortfall in coverage, and two, will there be any assistance with prescriptions available?

I had heard that in the case of chronic illness the French state will cover treatment of pre-existing chronic conditions, but how far does this include prescriptions, and is this an alternative to using a mutuelle? Unfortunately my French language is not adequate to read the various sites in detail, and the French Embassy in London just produce xeroxed copies of leaflets and refer to DWP when asked the question. DWP/Inland Revenue in Newcastle are not much more helpful

[Jean L Ecossais]

From my understanding of the system you should get back from French social security system approx 70% of prescription charges,there are some medical conditions which the French social security system refund you 100%.I think the only people who will answer your query regarding medical insurance cover for an existing condition would be the insurance companies.Will you be working in France/employed,self employed or not working/retired.If not working/retired you should be able to get an E106 from Newcastle which will cover you in France for up to 2 years Ask for booklet SA29 from Newcastle this explains all.