French Health Issues
Lobbying for your healthcare rights in France and the EU
Since inception, it has been a pillar of the EU that workers of member states have the right to move freely and reside in any other state of the Union, which has provided economic benefit to the host state as well as to the individual. Provided that they are in work or are genuinely seeking it, or are self-employed, all EU citizens have full right of residence.
For the first time in the EU’s history, recent legislation
The economic contribution of ‘inactifs’ to the national economy is clearly less than that of workers. The enthusiasm with which ‘inactifs’ are received is correspondingly muted, as the President of France made clear in the summer of 2007.
Acquisition of Permanent Residence status will create the potential for an aging sector of the population to become an increasing burden on the state in the event of financial difficulties or failing health, because the right of equality with French citizens will exist after five years ‘stable and legal’ residence. Despite the fact that this right is conferred by the EU Directive, some reluctance to acknowledge it may be found on the part of the relevant authorities, as has been and continues to be demonstrated by the Ministry of Health and its subordinate departments over implementation of sickness insurance entitlement for certain categories of existing residents.
If long-term or permanent residence is your aim, therefore, it is most important that you comply with the required conditions of financial resources and sickness insurance, and obtain the appropriate confirmations of your residential status leading to that goal.
