User Question 3:

I have Crohns disease, and use a drug called Stelara. Would that (or a generic) be available to me in France. How easy would it be to get to see a gastroenterologist?

Claude's Response:

Great news on both fronts! Your Crohn's disease wouldn't be a barrier to moving to France, and in many ways the healthcare system there might be better for managing it.

Stelara availability:

Stelara (ustekinumab) is definitely available in France, and there are now biosimilar versions like Steqeyma that launched there in January 2025. The drug requires a prescription and supervision by an experienced doctor, just as in the US. The French healthcare system covers expensive biologics like Stelara once you're established in the system.

Seeing gastroenterologists in France:

The French healthcare system is excellent for chronic conditions like Crohn's. Here's how it works:

• You'd register with a local GP (médecin traitant) who becomes your primary care coordinator

• Referrals to specialists like gastroenterologists are straightforward and typically happen within 2-4 weeks for non-urgent cases

• The cost is largely covered by the national health insurance (Sécurité Sociale), with minimal out-of-pocket expenses

• Many gastroenterologists in expat-heavy areas speak English, particularly in the regions we discussed

Key advantages for you:

• Much lower medication costs than the US - even expensive biologics are heavily subsidized

• No insurance company approval battles for treatments your doctor prescribes

• Preventive care and regular monitoring are prioritized

• The slower pace of life and emphasis on food quality could actually benefit your Crohn's management

Getting started:

You'd need to register for healthcare within 3 months of establishing residency. There's a brief waiting period, but emergency care is always available. Many expats arrange temporary private insurance to bridge any gaps.

Have you been stable on Stelara? The transition of care would be much smoother if you have good medical records to share with your new French healthcare team.