ICD AND MOVING TO FRANCE

[Tinodog]

Hi everyone

I am considering retiring to France and currently doing homework on what to expect and visa requirements , healthcare system etc.

I currently have an ICD fitted and wonder if anyone has any experience of moving abroad with this and how they got on with the the inspections and changing of batteries when required. Sure I will find the answer as we go through the process but this site is normally a good source of information

[sturon]

Hi I travel overseas a lot. Generally I look up the nearest cardiac centre that can support me if I have a problem. Fortunately, I have never needed to use any. My best advise is to contact your cardiac team at the hospital that did your implant and ask them for advise. You could also try the BHF nurse helpline who are really useful at answering questions like yours.

Bonne chance (Good luck).

[Tinodog in reply to sturon]

Really appreciated❤️

[pasigal]

We have lived in France for 12 years. The health care is fine; no frills but if you're in a big city it's easy to get an appointment. The cardiac care system is quite good; I don't have an ICD but I did wear a LifeVest for 6 months after cardiac arrest while my doctors decided if I needed an ICD. I don't think you'll have any issues on the health care front, in other words. You do have to be pro-active in terms of asking questions, getting medication advice etc.

[Tinodog in reply to pasigal]

Pasigal

Many thanks

We are look at Aquitaine dordogne. I know I will need private medical for first year before I can go into the French healthcare system and I assume that we will be covered immediately for emergency care.

Your comments are reassuring. I will speak with my local cardiac team as well.

Many thanks

[pasigal in reply to Tinodog]

Tinodog I met a British resident in cardio rehap who moved to the Dordogne but took an apartment in Paris expressly for the purpose of his treatments...so you might keep that in mind re the Dordogne (which is an incredibly beautiful area, but no major cities)

[watermill]

We have a second home in France for 30 years and have been impressed by the health care system when required. However, choose your area to live carefully as there are vast medical deserts in the countryside. Doctors won't work in remote places. Check also what facilities the nearest hospital has. Certain facilities have been centralised such as heart care. Good luck with the tax system. The main reason I am still in England.

Bonne chance mon ami

[pasigal in reply to watermill]

watermill I agree re the distribution of health care and cardiac facilities. I didn't realize the OP was looking at the Auvergne region as well as the Dordogne. Beautiful areas but not close to major medical facilities. I would personally make sure I had a cardiologist in Toulouse or Paris or maybe Nantes if I had an ICD.