Thursday, September 27, 2007

Retiring but not so shy...

Spending one's retirement in the sunny South of France is an attractive idea, particularly for those from cooler, damper climes, such as Brits! So, imagine the furore in the last few days as the rumour machines have generated the idea that France will no longer honour the international agreements on reciprocal healthcare! Naturally, this is a subject of keen interest for anyone, but particularly for the more senior who have been strongly voicing their concern!!

Of course there is always some truth associated with rumours and apparently there are proposals on this which have not yet been formalised but which have already been misinterpreted! Apparently what France is actually saying is that it will meet its obligations to those who have officially retired but it proposes to make a stand on the matter of those chosing to retire to France at an early age, whom it says it will no longer subsidise. I must say that I had not realised that such people had slipped through the health system net here.

Anyway, it seems that there is no need for concern if you are at official retirement age - however, if you have made your pile, and want to sit back on it, then you will probably have to part with a little for your healthcare cover for a while! As France boasts the finest health system in the world, I can only say that this would be a good investment. However, all this illustrates the point that when considering relocating to any country it is important to check not only what amenities are available but what reciprocal arrangements may be in place - and, if none, what full health cover will cost, at any age...


Photo: Roxana Gonzalez

4 comments:

footiam said...

It's so difficult to retire, isn't it?

Keith Pow-Williams said...

Difficult for some but I know that many can't wait! I think retirement is going to be another big subject the context of the expat life...

Robbay said...

Retiring on a french rock ..sounds nice. If you speak french and don't tell them your an American.

Keith Pow-Williams said...

Yes, it always helps to speak the language! Not tell them you're an American? Well, I guess that aside form other considerations, this blog does explore how much the expat might feel an outsider - my experience tends to show that it is more down to the individual than other factors, such as nationality. Anyway, I hope you will join the discussion again...