Alyssa Lane
France has a well-regarded universal healthcare system that combines public and private elements. Managed by the government and funded through payroll taxes, the system covers about 70% of medical costs, while patients cover the rest through co-pays or supplemental insurance, called mutuelle. Basic private health insurance costs about €40 monthly in France, but this price will change depending on any add-ons, for instance, extra dental care, age, and pre-existing medical conditions. Some private health insurance providers offer basic family packages for €90.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basic private health insurance cost | €40 monthly |
| Private health insurance with add-ons | €90 monthly |
| WorldCare Plan | €26 monthly |
| SimpleCare plan | €23 monthly |
| Private health insurance cost range | $36 to $72 monthly |
| % of treatment costs covered by the public system | 70% to 100% |
| % of GP costs covered by L'Assurance Maladie | 70% |
| % of hospital visits covered by L'Assurance Maladie | 80% |
| % of dental costs reimbursed by the national health system | 70% |
| % of medical costs covered by the French system | 70% |
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What You'll Learn
Basic private health insurance costs
Basic private health insurance in France costs about €40 monthly. However, this price is subject to change depending on add-ons, age, and pre-existing medical conditions. For instance, extra dental care, such as teeth whitening, can increase the cost. Some private health insurance providers offer basic family packages for €90.
France has a well-regarded universal healthcare system that combines public and private elements. Managed by the government and funded through payroll taxes, the system covers about 70% of medical costs, while patients cover the rest through co-pays or supplemental insurance, called "mutuelle". French public hospitals are government-funded and offer general and emergency services, and patients have the flexibility to choose their providers. However, wait times and doctor availability can vary, particularly in rural areas.
While prescription medication generally costs less in France than in many other European countries, the national health system only covers a fraction of its costs. If you have complimentary private health insurance, this may take care of the remainder. France has a high standard of dental care, and treatment charges are affordable and in line with the rates set by the government. For instance, the official rate for a dental consultation is €23, which is reimbursed at a rate of 70% by the national health system.
The French state system does not cover psychiatrists, chiropractors, or osteopaths, and certain medications are not covered or have a low reimbursement rate. Therefore, it might be worth considering private cover, which will cover you if you develop a chronic illness or condition.
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Eligibility for public health insurance
France has a public health insurance plan called l’Assurance maladie, which is administered by the French social security office (la sécurité sociale). Public health insurance is mandatory for anyone who works or resides in France.
In January 2016, SHI eligibility was universally granted under the Protection universelle maladie (Universal Health Protection law), or PUMa. The law replaced and simplified the existing system by providing systematic coverage to all French residents. It merged coverage for persons previously covered by Universal Health Coverage and immigrants covered by state-sponsored health insurance.
If you are moving to France as an expat job seeker, you may not obtain free public health insurance. Your entitlement will vary depending on your situation. If you were registered for unemployment in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland and had health insurance, you can probably use your EHIC card or transfer your rights via the S1 form. If you were not entitled to unemployment benefits in your country of origin or if you are from a non-EU/EEA country, then you will not be able to use public French healthcare. You will need to purchase international health coverage or private insurance. Unemployed residents and low-income earners may be eligible for subsidies on private mutuelles or can likely receive the CSS, the additional public complementary insurance that covers any co-payments.
Expat workers will typically be registered for PUMa by their employer, but it is worth double-checking. International students will obtain assistance from their university, but they cannot register for health insurance without first having their student visa and their certificate of affiliation to their higher education institution. Eligible retirees, students, and job seekers from abroad will need their S1 form. Asylum seekers must show their ADDA, delivered by the prefecture.
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can send them by post or present them in person at your local CPAM. CPAM will then decide whether you are eligible for public health insurance. If you earn below the threshold, you will qualify for free public-funded healthcare (CMU-complémentaire). You must then request your health insurance card (Carte Vitale). This card serves as proof that you are covered by France's public health insurance.
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Private health insurance providers
Basic private health insurance in France costs approximately €40 per month. However, this price is subject to change depending on factors such as age, pre-existing medical conditions, and additional coverage for services like dental care. Some private insurance providers offer family packages for a higher premium, typically around €90.
French residents can choose from a variety of private health insurance providers, including international and domestic companies. Here are some of the options:
Cigna Global
Cigna Global is a leading international health insurance provider that offers tailored plans to meet the specific needs and budgets of its customers. They have a global network of doctors, specialists, and therapists, providing access to top-quality healthcare services worldwide. Cigna Global is recommended for expatriates moving to France as it offers flexibility and comprehensive coverage.
GeoBlue Xplorer
GeoBlue Xplorer is another option for expatriates, particularly those from the United States, as it is offered in association with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of America. This plan provides access to a vast network of renowned doctors and hospitals worldwide, ensuring high-quality care.
AXA
AXA is a well-known international health insurance company that offers plans specifically tailored for foreign expatriates, students, and families residing in France. Their plans are flexible and designed to support individuals in navigating the French healthcare system effectively.
Bupa Global
Bupa Global is the international health and care division of Bupa, a recognised health and care company. They offer a range of private health insurance plans in France, providing access to a global network of medical practitioners and specialists worldwide. Bupa Global gives customers the freedom to choose when and where they receive treatment within their area of coverage.
Cleiss (Centre des liaisons Européennes et internationales de sécurité sociale)
Cleiss is the official authority in France that manages bilateral social security benefits, including health insurance for internationals. They are responsible for informing foreigners about their rights and obligations regarding social security and health insurance when living in France.
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Public health insurance reimbursement
France has a universal public healthcare system known as Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA). Under PUMA, all French residents, including expats, have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare with public health insurance.
The French public health insurance system covers almost all types of medical treatment, but only at a certain percentage of the cost. When you visit a doctor, dentist, or other medical professional, you will be reimbursed for a set amount and will have to pay the remaining 10-40% out of pocket. The percentage you receive depends on the type of treatment you had. For example, it's usually 70% for doctors, dentists, midwives, and most specialists, 80% for hospital visits, and 60% for eye care and hearing aids. Vaccines are covered at 65%, with certain ones (like COVID-19) at 100%. Mental healthcare and sessions with a psychologist are covered under a special treatment process that begins with visiting a general doctor for a recommendation.
Expats who plan to live in France for more than 6 months are eligible for public health insurance after 3 months of residence. If you are employed in France, your company will register you for public health insurance, and you will have the right to public medical insurance as soon as you start working. If you are a freelancer, you must register yourself from Régime Social des Indépendants (RSI). Business owners must register through the local department level of the national health insurance administration, CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie).
If you are a newcomer to France, you may need to show proof of health insurance during the visa application process. If you are a non-EU student, you will automatically be enrolled in Student Social Security (Sécurité Sociale Etudiante). EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover their medical expenses.
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Private health insurance for expats
France has a well-regarded universal healthcare system that combines public and private elements. Managed by the government and funded through payroll taxes, the system covers about 70% of medical costs, while patients cover the rest through co-pays or supplemental insurance, called "mutuelle".
Expats who plan to live in France for more than six months are eligible for public health insurance after three months of residence. However, there are several cases in which internationals cannot register for public healthcare. In that case, they must obtain private health insurance, via an international or a French health insurance provider.
Basic private health insurance costs about €40 monthly in France. However, this price will change depending on any add-ons, for instance, extra dental care (e.g. teeth whitening), age, and pre-existing medical conditions. Some private health insurance providers offer basic family packages for €90.
If you travel frequently or need coverage outside of France, consider international private health insurance for global healthcare access, including features like medical evacuation. International insurance providers like Cigna, AXA, Allianz, April International, Bupa Global, and others offer a wide range of coverage options for expatriates in France. Cigna offers global health plans with different tiers (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) that cover services such as hospitalization, inpatient and day patient treatments, emergency evacuation, and preventive care. AXA Global health insurance provides various levels of customizable coverage, including options for hospitalization, outpatient treatments, and emergency care.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, health insurance is mandatory in France. All residents, including foreign workers who plan to stay long-term in France, are eligible for state medical insurance. Expats who plan to live in France for more than 6 months are eligible for public health insurance after 3 months of residence.
The public health insurance scheme in France, called Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA), covers about 70% of medical costs. This includes 80% of hospital visits and the full cost of some medications. However, the French state system doesn't cover psychiatrists, chiropractors, or osteopaths, and certain medications are not covered or have a low reimbursement rate.
Private health insurance in France covers the remaining costs that public health insurance does not. This includes the remaining 10-40% of costs after reimbursement from the public system for visits to doctors, dentists, and other professionals. It can also cover the higher fees charged by many private medical professionals and specialists, which can be up to 300%-400% of the regular costs.
Basic private health insurance in France costs about €40 monthly. However, this price can change depending on add-ons, age, and pre-existing medical conditions. Private insurance plans can start as low as €23 or $36 per month, while more comprehensive plans can range from $36 to $72 per month, on average.
