E111 & E128

In the initial moving period, or on holiday visits, or while on a speculative visit to France to look for work, you will probably not be covered by securite sociale, and in such cases, you can take out private travel insurance. However, it is also possible to obtain free, or mainly free, treatment under a reciprocal agreement, which exists between some EU countries. To qualify for such treatment you need form Elll, (known as the E-one-eleven). The form T6 Health Advice for Travellers contains the application form for the Elll and is available from post offices, or the Inland Revenue, National Insurance Contributions Office (International Services, Longbenton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE98 1ZZ; 0191-225 4811; international services helpline 0845-9154811; fax 0845-9157800;www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/nic/intserv/osc.htm.

Once in France, anyone who requires treatment should go to a conventionne doctor, dentist or hospital. Although they will probably have to pay for treatment, up to 75% of this can then be refunded, as long as the procedure detailed in the Elll is followed. However, you should note that as a percentage of the treatment costs are still not covered by the Elll it is still necessary to have travellers health insurance cover for the balance.

An Elll normally expires after a three-month period and is not valid once you have left the UK permanently or are employed in France. It can sometimes be renewed and it is also possible to get an 'open ended' Elll if you make frequent trips abroad for a longer period than three months. However, once a permit de sejour na been applied for (i.e. after three months in France) permanent arrangements should have been made. Explanatory leaflet SA29 gives details of social security, health care and pension rights within the EU and is obtainable from main post offices an also from the Department of Work and Pensions, Overseas Directorate, Tyneview Park, Whitely Road, Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE98 1BA. It may be of use to those intending to move to and work in France.

Review our E101 & E128 pages to obtain information about National Insurance and Health issues