How the Farage-backed French healthcare system could work in the UK

Mr Farage raised the idea at a seven-party debate on Friday. Photo: PA/Jeffer Owers

Nigel Farage said the National Health Service was “not working” and he suggested Britain should adopt a French-style health system.

Calling for a “change in the model” of healthcare in the country, Mr. n Farage said: “There are countries that are right. There's one country next door to us, France, and it's a very different way of funding the National Health Service.»

He said that in France, “those who can afford it through their taxes pay into the insurance system.” and “those who can't afford it don't pay, so it's for the mutual benefit of everyone.”

In France, all residents must have health insurance, whether public or private. The public 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.

Healthcare in France is partly financed by social security contributions. In 2023, employees paid 7 percent of their salaries toward health insurance, and employers paid 13 percent.

Medical treatment and tests are partially paid for by the government, but the remaining amount is borne by the patient, depending on the treatment.

French public health insurance covers 70–100 percent of treatment, such as doctor visits and hospital stays. Low-income and long-term ill patients usually receive 100 percent insurance.

Private services in the public sector

Many private doctors and specialists in France receive funding through the public insurance scheme, which allows them to provide services through the public health system

Those with government insurance can access most private hospitals, but prices for private services are often higher.

This means that although your government health insurance covers the same percentage of costs, you may pay more for that portion. this is not covered by insurance.

Residents of France can take out additional private health insurance to cover the remaining cost of treatment.

Private insurance also covers specialized treatment or additional treatments that are not available through public health care .

If you are applying for legal residence but your application has not been completed, you may be eligible for government health care.

Temporary visitors to France from the European Economic Area and Switzerland may receive access to public treatment if they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

France classifies international students as short-term residents, which means they are not eligible for public insurance.

International students who do not have an EHIC must take out an international insurance policy.