Charente Limousine Exchange
** NEWSFLASH **

HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE MOVING TO FRANCE: There was a new directive issued in March 2007 which significantly altered the rules to be applied to people moving to France. If you are in possession of a Form E121, you will be allowed to affiliate to the French Health System. However, if you have a Form E106, you will only be allowed to affiliate whilst the E106 is valid. Once the form expires, you will refused affiliation and will need to take out private health insurance to cover medical bills, until you have lived in France for 5 years or are entitled to an E121. The French state will contribute nothing towards the cost of any treatment you may need and costs incurred can be significant. Anyone moving to France without any sort of form from the UK will be refused affiliation straightaway. Insurance cost are high and will generally not cover pre- existing conditions. It is very important that anyone considering a move, investigates these implications fully.

TOWING A CARAVAN OR LARGE TRAILER IN FRANCE: If you hold a french driving licence then the regulations for towing are quite different from the UK. Up to age 60 you must have a medical examination with a qualified doctor every 5 years from the date of issue of the licence to extend your right to tow        ( this date will be printed on the licence). Once you are 60 to 76 years old this medical is required every 2 years. The examination costs 24.40 euros & a list of qualified doctors can be obtained from your Prefecture, Sous Prefecture or Mairie.  Failiure to follow this procedure will make it an offence to tow & any vehicle insurance may be invalid. For more information contact your Prefecture, Sous Prefecture or Mairie

NEW  COMPULSORY CAR EQUIPMENT:  From 1st July 2008 all cars in France must be equipped with a fluorescent waistcoat and a warning triangle. The triangle should carry an approved code number e.g. E2 27R 08088. The Waiscoat must be flourescent & carry an EU mark & the code EN471 or EN1150. We recommend you carry two waiscoats which must be kept in the cab accesible from the drivers seat. Failiure to comply will result in a fine. Remember you must also turn on your hazard warning lights if stopped by a breakdown or accident.

COMPIMENTARY HEALTH INSURANCE: www.hyperassure.com This site compares all the mutuelles so can be useful when selecting a policy.

DRIVING TEST IN FRANCE: It is not obligitory to go to a Driving School in order to take a test. Contact your Prefecture or Sous Prefecture for information & application forms,  an article called " Code et Conduite" on www.reponseatout.com gives more info.

BANK ACCOUNTS, FINANCIAL PROTECTION: With the current uncertainties in the financial sector, please note that if you have a bank account in the U/K, or offshore on the Isle of Man the first £50,000 ( £50,000 per holder in a joint account ) is guaranteed under the compensation scheme.  However, if you have an off-shore account ie: Jersey or Guernsey  the protection may not be as good. In these circumstances it may be wortwhile checking with you bank to establish what guarantees you may have.
DISCLAIMER: We are a voluntary group and carry out our own research and as such accept no responsibility for any information contained within this site . We also do not accept responsibility or liability for any web site accessed via a hypertext link from this web site as the content, accuracy and opinions expressed in such web sites are not checked, monitored or endorsed by us. Please also note that information given may be accurate and correct for one department but not for another - even if they are neighbouring departments. Charente Limousine Exchange