Healthcare in France for Expats: How It Works and What to Expect

Relocating to France as an expat can be an exciting journey filled with culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. However, one of the most important aspects to understand before making the move is the French healthcare system. Often ranked among the best in the world, France’s healthcare is known for its high-quality care and affordability. Here’s everything expats need to know about accessing healthcare in France—how it works, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.

Overview of the French Healthcare System

France has a universal healthcare system, which means every legal resident is entitled to healthcare services through the national public health insurance known as l’Assurance Maladie. The system is funded through social security contributions and taxes, ensuring that the majority of medical costs are covered or reimbursed by the government.

The French system is a hybrid model, combining public and private sectors. Patients can choose their healthcare providers, whether public hospitals or private clinics, and still benefit from public insurance coverage.

How Expats Can Access Healthcare in France

To access public healthcare in France, expats must first obtain residency and register with the French social security system. This process includes applying for a social security number and enrolling in the public health insurance scheme.

Step 1: Residency and Long-Stay Visa

Before you can register for French healthcare, you must have legal residency. Most expats will need a long-stay visa or residence permit, especially if planning to stay longer than 90 days.

Step 2: Register with CPAM

Once legally residing in France, expats need to register with their local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) office. You’ll be required to submit documents such as proof of residency, passport, visa, birth certificate, and proof of income or employment.

Step 3: Obtain Your Carte Vitale

After registration, you’ll receive a Carte Vitale, a green card that proves you’re part of the French healthcare system. Presenting this card at medical appointments ensures partial reimbursement for most healthcare costs.

Understanding Costs and Reimbursements

While healthcare in France isn’t free, it is heavily subsidized. The government typically reimburses around 70% of doctor’s visits and up to 80% of hospital stays. The remaining costs, known as ticket modérateur, are paid out-of-pocket or covered by private supplementary insurance.

Mutuelle: Supplementary Insurance

To avoid unexpected medical bills, most residents and expats opt for a mutuelle—a complementary private insurance that covers the balance not reimbursed by the state. Mutuelles can range from €30 to €100+ per month depending on the coverage level and your health needs.

Access to General Practitioners and Specialists

In France, the first point of contact for most medical needs is the médecin traitant (primary care physician). You’re encouraged to declare your médecin traitant, which ensures better reimbursement rates. Visiting a doctor without this declaration can result in lower refunds from Assurance Maladie.

You’re also free to consult specialists—like dermatologists, cardiologists, or gynecologists—but referrals from your primary doctor often streamline the process and guarantee higher reimbursement rates.

Emergency Care and Hospitals

France offers excellent emergency care through public hospitals and specialized clinics. In case of emergencies, dial 15 for medical help (SAMU), or go directly to the nearest emergency room (urgences).

Public hospitals are well-equipped and staffed, often providing better value compared to private clinics. However, private facilities may offer faster appointments and more amenities, albeit with higher out-of-pocket costs if not fully covered by your mutuelle.

Pharmacies and Prescriptions

Pharmacies in France are highly regulated and widely accessible. Prescriptions from a doctor are partially or fully reimbursed through the healthcare system. Most common medications are affordable, and pharmacists are knowledgeable professionals who can offer medical advice and basic consultations.

Healthcare for Self-Employed and Remote Workers

If you’re self-employed or working remotely from France, you’ll need to register with URSSAF and contribute to the system via the auto-entrepreneur or profession libérale structure. This allows you to access public healthcare and apply for a Carte Vitale like any salaried employee.

Private Healthcare Options

While the public system covers most needs, private healthcare is available for those seeking quicker access or more personalized care. Some expats choose to keep international health insurance, especially during the transition period or while awaiting registration with Assurance Maladie.

International policies may also cover repatriation, dental, and vision—services not always included in basic public coverage.

What to Expect as a New Patient

Healthcare professionals in France are highly trained, and most speak basic English, especially in urban areas. Appointments are typically punctual, thorough, and include a personal touch. However, you may experience longer wait times for specialists depending on the region.

Make sure to bring your Carte Vitale and mutuelle card to every appointment, and keep copies of any medical reports or receipts for reimbursement purposes.

Learning New Languages as an Expat: Strategies for Quick Success

Living in France means embracing the language and culture. Here are some effective strategies to accelerate your French language learning:

• Enroll in local language schools or immersion programs – These are often offered in towns and cities for expats and professionals.
• Practice daily with apps like Babbel, Rosetta Stone, or Duolingo.
• Engage with locals – Join meet-ups, attend events, or simply make small talk at your local café or market.
• Watch French media – Films, news, and podcasts help with vocabulary and pronunciation.
• Set small goals – Aim to handle a pharmacy visit or order at a restaurant in French within your first month.

Language is the key to deeper integration, better relationships, and a more fulfilling experience as an expat in France.

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