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Retirement to South France

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marksi1
  6/29/2015 14:37 EST

We're just beginning to explore retirement overseas and France is most intriguing, along with Spain and Italy. My biggest initial concern is with continuing to receive my Social Security benefits and healthcare. What can you tell me?

ournewadventure
  6/29/2015 15:36 EST

My husband and I are also in the initial research phase of retirement options as well. We are seriously considering Paris (we lived there for a year a number of years ago) and that's where we want to retire. I'll be interested in what other retirees have to say about SS benefits, etc. Thanks for posting the question.

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Maribeth
  6/29/2015 16:22 EST

You shouldn't have any problem with your social security. As a French resident you will end up with French healthcare. You're all set!

Lekitanin
  6/29/2015 16:38 EST

Social Security benefits - no problem. Healthcare? Your US Medicare part A and B are not good in France. In fact, to qualify for a resident visa in France, assuming that you are a US citizen, you have to prove that you have health coverage. There are a lot of private insurance companies providing coverage (not cheap though). However, if you are a citizen of any of the EU countries there are no any other restictions.
Lekitanin

RubyTooz
  6/29/2015 17:06 EST

You will be able to collect your Social Security benefits in France, but Medicare only covers you in the US (I'm assuming your American?). In order to get your initial stay visa, you'll need to show healthcare coverage for that first year in France, and there are several providers to choose from. I would suggest doing a comparison online with a company like Medibrokers.com. If you plan to move here permanently, however, you could apply to get into the French state healthcare system after just three months. You would probably still want private top-up insurance, but the prices are a small fraction of what you would pay in the US.

cindyt25
  6/29/2015 18:10 EST

My understanding is that Americans cannot buy into the French healthcare system. Has this changed in the last year?
Check AARO for their insurance rates for Americans.

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We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

French Riviera House Hunting - FRHFrench Riviera House Hunting - FRH

We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
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JonCates
  6/29/2015 19:46 EST

Love France lived n Paris
N 70s. Where do u live
N what r ur monthly costs

frabound
  7/6/2015 10:21 EST

I am planning the same! As Cindyt25 suggested, I checked with AARO for some preliminary info on health insurance and they were very helpful. I have read that one should not let one's Medicare coverage lapse though in case you decide to return to US permanently or visit your doctors while here on vacation...you may want to check into that. There is also a group on Facebook called Americans in France - very helpful and nice people. Please share what you learn with the rest of us.

JonCates
  7/6/2015 17:45 EST

Tried Americans n France
On FB w no results

RubyTooz
  7/7/2015 04:59 EST

Retired Americans can buy into the French "sécurité sociale" after a few months of residency, if their intention is to become permanent residents. The premium amount is approximately 8% of annual income (based on 2 yrs prior, I believe), over the threshold of around 9,000 euros. You still need to have private insurance for the first year to get the visa and to be covered during the application process.

festayre
  8/22/2015 05:02 EST

There is no problem with health cover for british citizens in France however in some cases you may have to pay in advance and get reimbursed.

If I go to see my doctor here in France I pay him 23euros directly and that is then automatically reimbursed to me by the Social Security.

Phil
https://plus.google.com/u/0/105868986381765365636/about

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