I took a quick look at the French healthcare system. They have a government run program, eg socialized healthcare plus a private program. Its nice that they offer a choice. However, the one I imagine you would choose if you are watching costs with your husbands retirement, would be government healthcare. Please be careful. A close friend of mine lived in England, and I have heard from her and from many people that socialized medicine can have really poor psychiatric care. Many countries are WAY behind the US in psychiatric care. Why not do a thread here asking for info from French people, especially bipolars. I would ask preferably for someone who has also lived in the US, or they have no way to compare the two. Oui magnifique, when they may never had a really good pdoc like yours. Definitely be in touch in advance with specific questions for some pdocs in the area you plan to move to in France. Of course I will be coming to visit, so Ill need someone good, too ! LOL LOL It is a big relief that you would still be on Psych Central!!
When are you making an exploratory trip to France? What region? How exciting!