Nigel Farage has said the NHS “isn’t working” and he suggested the UK adopt a French-style healthcare system.
In a call to “change the model” of healthcare in the country, Mr Farage said: “There are countries right next door to us, there’s one country, France, it’s a very different way to funding the NHS.”
He said that in France “those who can afford it through their taxes pay into an insurance scheme”, while “those that can’t afford it, don’t pay in, so it’s for the mutual benefit of everybody.”
In France all residents must have some form of health insurance, whether state or private. The state system covers everyone regardless of income level or employment status. If your household income is below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for free health insurance coverage.
Healthcare in France is partly funded through social security contributions. Employees paid 7 per cent of their salary toward health coverage in 2023, while employers paid 13 per cent.
Medical treatment and tests are partially paid for by the government, but the patient is responsible for the remaining amount depending on the treatment.
French state health insurance covers 70–100 per cent of treatments such as doctor visits and hospital stays. Low-income and long-term sick patients typically receive 100 per cent coverage.
Private services in the public domain
Many private doctors and specialists in France receive funding through the state insurance scheme, allowing them to provide services through the public healthcare system.
Those with public insurance can access most privately run hospitals but the price of privately run services are often higher.
This means that although your state health insurance covers the same percentage of costs, you may pay more for the portion that is not covered.
French residents may take out supplementary private health insurance to cover the remaining cost of treatments.
Private insurance also covers specialist treatment or complementary therapies which are not available through public healthcare.
If you are applying for legal residence but your application has not been finalised you may be eligible for State Medical Assistance.
Temporary visitors to France from the European Economic Area and Switzerland can access public treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
France classifies foreign students as short-term residents meaning they don’t qualify for public coverage.
International students without an EHIC must take out an international insurance policy.