Health and taxation, the grey areas of retirees
French retirees moving abroad represent almost 10% of the total number of retirees. Most of them do not do so for tax reasons. On the other hand, many retirees who have worked in France return to their country of origin. A grey area remains over the amount of these retirement benefits, which "lack reliability" according to the Cour des Comptes,. all the more vast as these expenses increased by 1.7 billion euros, or 35%, between 2006 and 2015.
If you don't have private insurance or a mutuelle in France, you lose your rights, and if you come back only for treatment in France and plan to leave again, the health insurance will deny you your Social Security rights. You need to be aware that just because you're a French expatriate doesn't mean you'll be covered, even for serious health problems. Some expatriates try to get around the law because they can't afford it, but leave their bills to the community... It's totally illegal.Overall, it's imperative that retirees weigh up the costs and benefits of their expatriate situation.
Health on the one hand, tax plans on the other, less tax and a virtually tax-free income from the fruits of their investments.
Health and access to healthcare is a priority issue for expatriate French retirees. What factors need to be taken into account?
The financial aspect is a major issue. On the one hand, you need to be aware of the cost, which is bound to be higher whichever option you choose. Whether you choose to keep a mutuelle in France, join the Caisse des Français de l'Etranger or take out private insurance, there will be additional costs, even in a European country with a social security transfer agreement, such as Portugal. Public medicine The health care system is less efficient than in France, and waiting times are longer, etc. As for countries like Thailand (2nd destination for French retirees) and Morocco (3rd destination for French retirees), you are subject to expensive mutual insurance schemes and very expensive treatment in private clinics.
