Top up medical Assurance and an S1

[TimGrant]

I became a French resident a couple of years ago and have a Carte Vitale. I’m going to be geting my state pension for the first time soon and will therefor be eligable to register an S1 with my local CPAM. I know this will have some benefits in paying some lower social charges. When registered does the S1 cover 100% of all medical costs and therefor no top up medical assurance in needed?

[JaneJones]

No. Makes no change.

The difference is that the UK pays the social security element rather than France.

[Stella]

@TimGrant

Your 'Mutuelle' or top up health cover explained. Plus how you can improve it

[image] Health insurance is a subject that often causes confusion so here’s our ‘cut out and keep’ guide to why you need a mutuelle and even more importantly, how to choose the best policy for your individual circumstances. First of all, it’s important to make the distinction between private health insurance (for those who for some reason are not able to join the French social security system) and mutuelle or top up insurance which we are talking about today. Secondly, to be eligible for a top-up health insurance policy you need to get into the system first; this means you must at least have a temporary French social security number. So why have a mutuelle? [image] To understand the importance of a mutuelle it’s essential to understand what the French social security system actually covers: For example, during a period of hospitalisation the social security will cover only a fraction of the expenses incurred and you may even have to pay the hospitalisation fees in advance.…