Letters: Excellent French healthcare service has never disappointed
Reader is impressed by France's conscientious GPs and access to specialists
French GPs often refer you to a specialist for a second opinion
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To the Editor,
We have had a chalet in Haute-Savoie for 18 years and live between here and our house in the UK, although we are strictly considered to be British residents.
Over that period of time, I have visited the GP in France several times and have always received excellent professional service.
Read more: How to register with a doctor in France and get a GP
For example, a slip on the ice resulted in a broken wrist. This was dealt with by my French GP who has the facility to take X-rays and treat accordingly. However, he also sent me for a second opinion to the specialist hand clinic where my wrist was pinned.
The cost of this treatment, being an accident, was covered by France under the French-UK agreement. I have subsequently been referred for both MRI and CT scan investigations to specialist clinics and, not being a resident of France, this was paid for by myself, of which around 70% was later claimed back and reimbursed by the DWP.
One such investigation was following Long Covid, the diagnosis of which permitted my GP in the UK to continue with the necessary treatment. This collaboration resulted in a faster and all-round better treatment on my return to the UK.
Audrey Beaumont, by email
How has your experience been with the French healthcare service? How does it compare to services abroad? Let us know via letters@connexionfrance.com
