Practical information

Getting into the French health care system

http://www.ameli.fr/

L’Assurance Maladie, general information in French.http://www.ameli.fr/assures/votre-caisse/index.php

http://www.cpam79.fr/etranger/anglais/

CPAM bilingual site. This is a most useful site, providing information on ‘How to register with the Social Security’, ‘How to obtain medical care’, ‘How to obtain your medicine’ etc.

Top up Insurance

Not all insurance companies ‘Mutuelle’ or ‘Complementaire’ take on people affected by cancer. You will need to shop around for the best cover. If you need a new prosthesis annually, make sure it is included in the contract.

Travel Insurance

Make sure you have cover! Treatment abroad may be expensive.
If you are travelling from the UK to France make sure you have adequate travel insurance as well as your EHIC card. If you live in France the card is referred to as ‘la carte europeenne’. It is available free once you have your ‘Carte-Vitale’. It is only valid for 12 months, so remember to renew in time if you already have one. It takes about two weeks to come through. You can apply for it online via the ameli.fr link above or at your local CPAM office unless your health insurance cover is arranged through your business insurance

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Practicalissues/Travel/Gettingtravelinsurance.aspx

This is an excellent link from the Macmillan website which explains how travel insurance works. The article provides a link to companies that help arrange insurance for people affected by cancer.

Lifestyle and Diet

www.cancercode.org
European Code against Cancer

www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/

Royal Marsden Hospital. Good information here on diet and keeping healthy

www.cancernutrition.com

Cancer nutrition centre. This site has been created by a nutrionist specialising in cancer.

www.aicr.org

American Institute for Cancer research. This is an excellent website, providing the latest American research specifically related to nutrition and cancer. Booklets are available to download; A regular newsletter can be subscribed to; weekly healthy recipes can be asked for.

www.chemoheadscarves.com

Specialises in headscarves for people who have lost their hair. Some of the profits from sales will be donated to the Institute in recognition of the care given to the founders daughter. This link takes you to an online shop.

Need someone to chat with?

We have created our own chat room where you can share your own experiences, read about other people’s experiences, ask for information or just chat. Click here to go to our forum .

www.cancerbuddiesnetwork.org

Cancer Buddies Network is an online charity based support group designed to put you in touch with your cancer buddy so you can share the ups and downs, laughter and tears with someone who knows how it feels. Whether you have experienced cancer yourself, or you are family, friend or carer, come and search for your buddy simply and safely on our dedicated website today.