The French government has now reversed its inital statement which denied British expatriates living in France, access to the state health insurance or CMU system.

This announcement follows a letter sent in September, to those expatriates whom had retired to France prior to retirement age, informing them that they would no longer be eligible to qualify for government health insurance.

In November, following this letter,the French government stated, that all those already receiving state health insurance before the 23rd of November,2007 would not be affected.

It has now been announced that any Briton who was legally resident in France, on or prior to the 23rd of November 2007, will still be able to access it, irrespective of whether or not they were in the French health system before that date. Only those moving to France after this date will not be eligible, and will be required to obtain private medical insurance cover.