Healthcare For Expats In France
France is a beautiful country to live in; however, enjoying your visit as an expat in this wonderful haven means taking good care of your health and having easy access to the country’s healthcare system. During your stay in France, you should be able to avail all the necessary medical facilities, including hospitals, doctors, emergency services, etc. Note that insurance that covers Healthcare for Expats in France is highly advised and required in several situations
For short-stay (Schengen) visas, applicants must provide travel medical insurance with a minimum of €30,000 in coverage for medical care and rehabilitation. For extended-stay visas, requirements vary by type; you may be asked to provide proof of insurance for the first few months until you enroll in the French system. Once you are a legal resident in France, you must register with Assurance Maladie to continue your healthcare coverage. Having healthcare for expats in France is a must if you want to access facilities conveniently, and it is also required for most expat visas in the country.
The French Healthcare System for Foreigners
The Healthcare System in France for expats is designed to offer healthcare facilities to everyone living in the country, including foreigners. The system covers public and private hospitals, doctors, and various specialists, offering top-class services to myriad patients. The health facilities and doctors in France are considered to be among the best in the world.
France’s system (Assurance Maladie + mutuelle complémentaire) partly compensates for the majority of care costs. In 2023, public funds (Social Security and other government agencies) covered around 80% of household health care consumption (CSBM), with the remaining 20% stemming from additional insurance and out-of-pocket expenditures. To get a proper refund, you need to register with Assurance Maladie (CPAM), and it does not come for free. Refunds form a stipulated component of regulated fees. To get a higher refund percentage, declare a ‘médecin traitant’ (primary doctor) and follow the parcours de soins (coordinated care pathway). To get treatment from a specialist, you generally get a better reimbursement when your médecin traitant refers you (within the coordinated care pathway). Consulting many specialists directly lowers the reimbursement you would get. For expats, understanding these rules is essential to make the most of healthcare for expats in France.
Overview of the Healthcare System
According to the latest InterNations data, 75% of expats in France were satisfied with their lifestyle in the 2023 survey (the latest edition ranks France as 38 out of 53 overall in 2024). For those who wish to stay in France longer, understanding the medical system and International Health Insurance for Expats in France is vital. France boasts an excellent universal healthcare system funded by taxation.
France has been cited in the WHO health system ranking for many years, including in 2024. Therefore, this cannot be considered a current reference to evaluate the health system. According to the latest benchmark, France’s life expectancy was around 82.4 years in 2022, which is higher than the OECD average. Also, France provides medical insurance to the general population through the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) system. This makes Healthcare for Expats in France both accessible and reliable.
A complémentaire santé (‘mutuelle’) is voluntary but common to cover what is exempt by Assurance Maladie. For instance, since May 15, 2024, a GP consultation costs €30; Assurance Maladie recompenses 70% of the regulated fee (€21), after deducting a €2 ‘participation forfaitaire’ for adults, leaving the remaining € 8 to you or your complementary plan. Several optics, dental restorations, and hearing devices get 100% insurance by the ‘100% Santé’ scheme when you are entitled to complementary coverage. In the long run, this system can be a huge burden for large families, especially if they opt for major treatments and hospitalization. So, resorting to ‘mutuelle’ or Expat Health Insurance France can be the best option to save some hard-earned money that you would have lost in the process.
How the French Healthcare System for Foreigners Works for Expats
Partially funded by compulsory social security contributions, the French healthcare system has undergone some changes. Since 2016, the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) system has given residents of France the right to consistent, routine health coverage. Usually, after 3 months of uninterrupted legal residency in France, you can apply to be insured by Assurance Maladie through the local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). To learn about healthcare for Expats in France, check out our healthcare region page.
Necessary Insurance Paperwork for Expats
For registration, an identity proof is essential, along with a valid status and a stable residence (e.g., visa/residence permit, passport, proof of address such as a lease or utility bill, bank details, etc.). Language classes or volunteering receipts are not required.
Similar to government-based applications, your paperwork would include copies of proofs of identification, address, and income. You do not have to produce proof of a doctor registration to apply for insurance. Once you are part of a system, declaring a ‘médecin traitant’ is advised to obtain increased reimbursement under the coordinated care pathway. After registration, you receive a carte Vitale, which enables you to submit electronic claims. You may still make an upfront payment for several doctor consultations; no-upfront (‘tiers payant’) is primarily offered when it is (e.g., many pharmacies, some providers, and in certain scenarios).
Best Private International Medical Insurance for Expats
Opting for International Health Insurance in France would mean you can avail of various benefits beyond those included in your local plans. They are global, which means that you would receive insurance coverage in any part of the globe. It would also help you avail of a wide range of healthcare services from medical specialists and doctors. As an expat in France, you can opt for the Cigna Global international health plan, a reputable insurer offering impeccable service and assistance. Another great option is the Allianz plan for European expats.
Learn about Top 5 countries in Europe to retire.
