France to Require Minimum Health Contribution from Non-European Retired Expats Living in France
The French National Assembly has approved a new measure requiring non-European retired expatriates living in France to contribute financially to the French healthcare system. The decision, adopted with 176 votes in favor and 79 against, directly targets foreign retirees—especially Americans— who currently benefit from France’s Universal Health Protection (PUMa) without paying any contributions.
Foreign Retirees and Access to French Healthcare
Until now, retired expatriates holding a long-stay “visitor” visa could move to France and, after three months of residence, gain access to France’s public healthcare system without paying any taxes, social contributions, or other fees.
“Today, some foreign nationals with long-stay visitor visas can settle in France, access universal health protection after three months, without paying a single euro toward the system,” declared François Gernigon, MP for Horizons.
He added that “some agencies, especially American ones, even market France as a retirement destination by promising free access to French social security.”
A New Mandatory Contribution for Non-European Retirees
The amendment, adopted as part of the 2026 Social Security Budget, creates a mandatory health contribution for non-European nationals residing in France with a long-stay visitor visa. This contribution will now determine their eligibility and continued access to healthcare benefits under PUMa.
The exact amount of the contribution will be established by government decree in the coming months.
A sub-amendment was also passed to exclude refugees and citizens of countries covered by bilateral agreementswith France. According to Paul Christophe, head of the Horizons group, this ensures that diplomatic agreements remain respected.
Divided Political Opinions
The measure received support from right-wing, far-right, and centrist deputies, while left-wing parties opposed it strongly.
“We are completely opposed to the spirit of this reform,” said Hadrien Clouet from La France Insoumise (LFI). “The solution is to negotiate bilateral agreements—that’s the role of French diplomacy.”
Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin chose to abstain from a firm position, appealing instead to the “wisdom” of the Assembly. She admitted that inequalities exist:
“In certain cases, nationals from G20 countries can indeed be exempt from taxes, CSG, and social contributions. The government takes this issue seriously and intends to revise those agreements to ensure fair participation.”
Toward a Fairer System for All Residents
This reform marks an important step toward equitable financing of France’s healthcare system, ensuring that foreign retirees residing in France also contribute to the costs of healthcare services they benefit from.
For many retired expatriates, especially Americans, this change means reassessing the financial aspects of living in France—particularly healthcare coverage and tax obligations.
If you are a retired expat living in France or planning to move there, understanding your healthcare and tax obligations is crucial. ESCEC International can guide you through the French administrative system and help you comply with the latest requirements.
👉 Get professional assistance at www.escec-international.com.
