Humanis, a large French group insurance carrier, since 2013 has published a yearly survey of French expatriates. Here are some key takeaways from the January 2017 edition:

• French expats like living abroad, and 95% of them would recommend that their friends give expatriation a try.
• 64% of French expats do not expect to return home in the next five years.

• 39% of French expats would like to create their own businesses (vs. 23% of French residents), 79% of them in hopes of having a lighter administrative burden than in France. Taxes and other costs are comparatively irrelevant.

• 75% of French expats want to retain a link to French social security.
• French expats miss their families (66%), the food (49%), and French-style social protection (47%).
• 78% of French expats enjoy some form of health coverage abroad—fewer than at any time in the survey’s history. 92% of those working in the United States are covered, due to PPACA.
• Only 39% of French expats have a life insurance policy (death, dismemberment, disability).
• Only 39% have a pension plan.
• A paltry 29% have an assistance or repatriation contract.
• Expats without coverage say this is due to one of three things: the cessation of employer-provided plans, excessive costs, or the need to save in order to pay for healthcare.

• French expats retain a keen interest in home politics. 82% get information about French politics at least once a week and a full 94% plan to vote in the upcoming 2017 Presidential election.

The 40-page survey can be downloaded here (PDF in French language) and GBV magazine will feature a full-length article in the near future.