British pensioners living in France are set to lose their access to free state healthcare under new reforms approved by French lawmakers. The changes, which close a significant post-Brexit loophole, will require non-EU foreign retirees to make minimum contributions for medical coverage.
End of an Era for British Expats
The proposals have now successfully passed through both chambers of the French parliament. This legislative shift means that from next year, retirees from outside the European Union, including the UK, must pay for their healthcare. The exact amount of the required contributions has not yet been officially confirmed, but the new rules are anticipated to take effect as early as 2026.
Under the current system, individuals holding long-stay visas could qualify for a carte vitale – the card providing access to France's state-funded healthcare. Eligibility required demonstrating an annual income exceeding €23,000 and holding private medical insurance, followed by a three-month residency period.
Post-Brexit Healthcare Arrangement Provides Limited Safeguard
Some British pensioners may be shielded from the immediate impact of these charges due to a reciprocal healthcare arrangement established after Brexit. The specifics of how this agreement interacts with the new French law will be crucial for affected individuals to understand.
This development for overseas retirees coincides with domestic pension-related discussions in the UK Parliament. In a recent Commons session, Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick questioned the government on support for terminally ill people of working age.
UK Minister Outlines Support for End-of-Life Care
Responding for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Minister Sir Stephen Timms stated the government has no policy to guarantee a state pension-level income for working-age people with a terminal illness. He did, however, detail the existing support framework.
"Supporting people nearing the end of their life is important to the Government," Sir Stephen said. The primary mechanism is the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). These rules allow for faster, easier access to benefits like Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit, and Attendance Allowance, often with higher payments and without the need for a standard medical assessment.
The SREL apply when an adult or child is likely to have less than 12 months to live. Medical professionals are asked to provide evidence using an SR1 form, which has replaced the old DS1500, to support benefit claims under these special rules.
