Re: Health Care Providers - French Government Requirements
I have just discovered, after visiting my GP with forms for him to complete, that some phi's require a medical conducted by your GP, if you have a pre condition like diabetes, plus a blood test and an ECG. So if anyone is thinking of completing the application forms for Jan 08 now may be a prudent time. Me I do not return to France until the 4th Jan and the appointment for the ECG is not until the 18th Jan so I will not be covered for health, unless Debs and Co get some info on E106 holders.
Merrry Xmas to all, especially at FHI who have done so much for us all....
We have just taken out PHI and found the process very quick if you can use the internet and scan documents. I am not sure the following will work with all companies but it worked with ours.
We downloaded the application forms from the internet (these could have come as e-mail enclosures as well). Then we filled in the forms using the Mark 1 biro, scanned the completed forms and sent them back via e-mail as PDF enclosures. This avoided the Christmas mail problem altogether.
Of course if you have to see the GP this will add to the delay but at least you avoid the post.
Joined on 05/05/2006
72 - Sarthe - home of les 24 heures du Mans
Posts 7,603
Re: Health Care Providers - French Government Requirements
We'll enjoy the beers, thanks!
The new rules being given out to CPAMs are incredibly complicated and they are being left to interpret many of the conditions as they see fit. However, without a pre-exisiting or chronic condition it looks very tough and for the moment at least PHI may be your only option.
However, the situation you discribe could just be the passport you need to the CMU, as you need to prove you cannot get full PHI, due to insurance refusal. It may well be a very wise approach for those with pre-exisiting conditions, because you will have proof from a medical professional. So for those in this situation, it is probably well worth while seeking out those companies who insist on a medical - rather than just giving you blanket coverage with all the exceptions buried in the small print.
Re: Health Care Providers - French Government Requirements
However, the situation you discribe could just be the passport you need
to the CMU, as you need to prove you cannot get full PHI, due to
insurance refusal. It may well be a very wise approach for those with
pre-exisiting conditions, because you will have proof from a medical
professional. So for those in this situation, it is probably well
worth while seeking out those companies who insist on a medical[cooperlola]
Re: Health Care Providers - French Government Requirements
In a previous life I dealt with medical info for health assurance and life policys.
if you have not started the process, choose a few company's and policies that suit you and get quotes from them. Some companies underwrite a little more leniently than others, so some may be more or less generous with a loading. Also the more benefits/cover they provide the more detailed medical information will be required. if you provide them with all the info such as full Dr's and consultant address' and copies of any reports, this will help them spead the process up. So if the risk to them is small and you and in good health they may not need to ask you to go for a medical examination.
if you request a quote for a plan that has two levels and you elect for the cheapest with less benefits the underwriting will be based on this. if you then decide to go ahead with a more comprehensive policy this may result in more medical information or examinations or speecial questions. So if there is a possibilty of proceeding with the hihg level of benefits it may be worth you requesting this first to avoid delays. There are normally set requirements for (standard cases) they can always reduce the cover with no further delays. Check this with your agent. Save time!
Complete the form IN FULL this causes delays and may not be able to start the underwriting procees until this is completed!..
Do not forget your weight, check all the ticked boxes and answer every one, sign and date it, failure will mean a signed statement from you - again delays.
Call the company ask if they will accept a fax or emailed application to get the ball rolling followed by the original in the post. Get a contact name and if possible a direct telephone number.
Read the small print, the ones that do not need a medical form completed will give a speedy decision but usually means that if you have a condition or symptoms already they will not cover you any way. When you do may a claim this is were you will find the problem.
I disclosed everything backed up by a statement about recent press coverage declining cover as they had failed to report an unrelated condtion, In view of this I asked them to seek copies of all my medical records just in case I had forgotten something. Not sure if it works but I have tried to cover my self.
I stated a start date 'to be advised' if you give a start date and complete the Direct debit they may start the plan as soon as a decision is given. Not providing a completed Direct debit with your application may hold up the issue of the start of the plan. A method of payment is usually required before they start the plan!
When an underwriting decision has been given, and if there has been a delay with your application, some company's may ask for a declaration of good health before starting the plan - again more delays.
This is a business which operates on a commission basis, targets and turnovers and bonus's. To reach these targets they would want as much business to start asap. Although the E106's plans will not start until 2008 they still want plans issued. If you are being pressed to give the go ahead with your plan ask who is pushing and why. Ask about the last date before a declaration of good health is required ( this will incude the company receiving the DDI)
Keep your top up company informed at all times. Any refund due will be easier and quicker - hope fully.
Re: Health Care Providers - French Government Requirements
Requirements for foreigners seem to be significantly more than those provided by CPAM plus top up. Is this not pure discrimination under European law at least?
Joined on 05/05/2006
72 - Sarthe - home of les 24 heures du Mans
Posts 7,603
Re: Health Care Providers - French Government Requirements
woolybanana wrote:
Requirements for foreigners seem to be significantly more than those provided by CPAM plus top up. Is this not pure discrimination under European law at least?
What is more, woolyb, if - say for argument's sake - an American moves here, they must have PHI. Fine. However, after they have achieved 6 months' stable residency (3 under the old rules), they can dump the PHI and join the CMU. However, the new document clearly tells the CPAMs that non French Europeans cannot give up PHI voluntarily until they have been here for 5 years. Good, no? This argument is not lost on us, believe me, especially as EU legislation being cited says that it must not "discriminate on the basis of nationality". Another law being broken by the French authorities then!
Healthcare Issues Site
We too have costed some insurers and have produced a comparison based on a 57 yr old couple with no pre-existing conditions paying monthly premiums. Prices seem to range from 8000€ to 3500€ per annum per couple depending on level of cover. We looked at Secara (AGF via a Dutch association), AGF, April (from 3 sources), Exeter Friendly, ASFE and the Exclusive Healthcare Platine Plans. While I cannot guarantee its accuracy or accept any liability for the content, I can e-mail a copy of the spreadsheet if anyone wants it. Interestingly one of the companies appears not to require a medical declaration - I have queried this and they have confirmed it but I have not seen the small print of the policy.
Given the interest when I published this same information on Total France, I thought fellow E106 holders would appreciate a bump of this thread. Incidentally, the spreadsheet has grown a bit as I have added other policies.