Oh for goodness sake!

[tootles]

I have just come back from battling with the health system (again). The way it works here is that you pay up front for all medical care and the state reimburses a percentage of the costs, unless you have a 'magic' card. If you have the magic card you need never hand over a penny (assuming you have the right insurance too). We have now been waiting for this magic card for 18 months. Last summer I went in and the lady said that it would take a few months but to be patient.
I went back in today only to be told that the reason the card hasn't arrived is because we haven't applied for it. It transpires that when the lady said 'it' would arrive - she meant the application forms (which are sent out every January).

Don't get me wrong, I love living here but,

ARRGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!





(thank you)

[Nicos]

Forms...forms...oh..and more forms...yup- I know what you mean

Ours arrived last week after handing in the first form mid September- and then the next form with the photo 4 weeks ago!

My GP said that once the card arrived to make an appointment for a full check up- and then he'll look at my breasts too ( he actually meant send me for a standard mammogram ...but HONESTLY...these French men are really something!)

[bobleponge]

I'll pop in on the way home Nicos and save him the bother

The carte vitale was something I didnt fully understand before I moved. Its a great system, including the top up, but its difficult and sooo frustrating to get into it. Took me almost 2 years but finally, finally got registered, got my card and was happy.
I hope you are keeping all your receipts for what you have paid, because you can claim them all back once you do get your card. If memory serves, I think its up to 3 years, or as long as you have been applying to get the "carte."

Good luck and keep going, its hair pulling but worth it in the end.

[Nicos]

I'll pop in on the way home Nicos and save him the bother

Ya know Bob....you are such a thoughtful guy!

[bobleponge]

Purely medicinal Nicos

One thing Tootles, even with the "Carte" and insurance you do know that you still pay the costs up front, and hand over your carte at the same time. The cash is reimbursed within about 5 days normally.
I dont know how that would work in a serious accident illness case, say a car crash, where the cost is going to be huge though.

[tootles]

Bob, the daft thing is we already get it all reimbursed. The Carte Vitale really is supposed to work instead of handing over dosh. Our Doctor and local pharmacy will take them instead. I have just handed in 200E worth of receipts.
We have used hospitals too (unfortunately) they are happy to take the numero d'immatriculation and only charge for the unreimbursable stuff (unless you have a mutuelle carte too).


Ca alors! (still haven't worked out accents on the laptop!)

[bobleponge]

Hmmm not up where I live it doesnt.
How typically Gallic.
In my department I have to pay for whatever I am using (it was generally the ex's kids things for school) and hand over my carte vitale at the same time. I pay, then am reimbursed within a week. Always works well enough, but it certainly doesnt work in lieu of cash in the wonderful 35.
I too love my adopted country but sometimes .......

[Jardiniere]

We got a temporary number quite quickly and then I got my Carte Vitale soon after - but I am over 60 which probably helps...OH who is not 60 yet is my dependent or is that dependant - has not got a card...but he just gives his number and they give him a Feuille de Soins - and we get reimbursed. With prescriptions and a carte vitale - you pay only the amount you should pay but with everything else you pay all then get reimbursed...when i had to go to the hospital accident and emergencies they scanned my carte vitale but took no money ......