Published on
First you collect your nice pension, you boomer. But coming to town to set your body free might, in the words of Sabrina’s 1987 hit song, just got a little bit trickier.
The French government plans to end free healthcare for foreign pensioners, closing a loophole that lets them join the system after just 90 days of residence.
The law will affect all non-EU pensioners, including Brits and Americans. And the numbers are significant.
Data shows that around 150,000 adult US citizens live in France today, and a roughly similar number of UK nationals.
Yet, the plan is moving fast. It was accepted by the parliament last month with a vote of 176 to 79 and is likely to be passed by the French government next year
For future retirees, that means the free ride is soon to be over.
And for those who have already been taking advantage of the generous system?
All you are left with to do is to sing “Je ne regrette rien” with a strong American accent. After all, it’s another song from your youth, isn’t it?
