France is known for its efficient and accessible healthcare system.
If you plan to move, study, or work in France, it’s important to understand how the French healthcare system works. This guide will help you with the basics.
What is the Sécurité Sociale, and what does CPAM do in France?
Sécurité Sociale is France’s public system that provides financial support if you get sick, have an accident, have children, retire, and more. It helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, medicines, maternity leave, and long-term illnesses. This national system offers health and social protection to people living and working in France.
CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) is the local office that manages health insurance matters. In short, Sécurité Sociale is the system, and CPAM is the office that helps you use it.
Can international students join the French healthcare system?
Yes, and in fact, it is mandatory for students under a long-stay student visa to register with the French healthcare system.
How do I register for French healthcare as a student, and how long does it take?
International students with a student visa must register for healthcare upon arrival in France. Registration is free and may take up to one month. You cannot complete the process before arriving.
Here’s what to do:
- Step 1: Sign up online
Go to ameli.fr to create your account. Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, address, phone number, email) and upload documents like your passport, visa or residence permit, proof of school enrollment, and bank details. - Step 2: Confirm your registration
Once your documents are approved, you will receive a temporary certificate with your French social security number. This number is also called NIR (Numéro d’Inscription au Répertoire). - Step 3: Set up your account for reimbursements
After you finish registering, take a few more steps to get your reimbursements quickly. Create your personal account on ameli.fr or the Ameli app, then apply for your health insurance card (carte vitale). You should also declare your primary care physician (médecin traitant) in France.
What is a primary care physician, and why is it important to declare one?
A primary care physician, or médecin traitant in French, is the main doctor who manages your medical care and keeps your health records in France.
Declaring a médecin traitant is important because it allows you to get the highest reimbursement for your medical expenses. If you do not declare one, you will be reimbursed at a lower rate. Your médecin traitant can also refer you to specialists and help manage your ongoing healthcare needs.
Is healthcare free in France for students?
Yes, healthcare is free at the point of entry. This means you do not have to pay upfront for the most important healthcare services. You can see doctors, go to hospitals, and visit clinics without worrying about high costs. Most or all medical costs are covered by the healthcare system, thanks to social contributions and taxes collected by the government.
International students can register and use healthcare services for free. The healthcare system usually covers about 70% of your medical costs, such as doctor visits. The remaining amount, called ticket modérateur, is paid by you, or you can get private health insurance (mutuelle) to cover the rest.
What is a Carte Vitale, and how do I use it in France?
After you register with the healthcare system, you will get a green health insurance card called Carte Vitale. This card stores your information and should be shown at every medical appointment or pharmacy visit.
Do I need private health insurance as a student in France?
While not mandatory, private health insurance (mutuelle) is highly recommended. It covers the remaining costs not reimbursed by the healthcare system.
There are many options, but a popular choice for students is La Mutuelle des Étudiants (LMDE). It is the 1st private insurance provider in France to offer preventive services and health coverage to students.
Here is an independent comparison tool: UFC-Que Choisir – Health Insurance
Helpful healthcare vocabulary in French for students
Learning these terms will help you navigate the French healthcare system more confidently and communicate effectively with healthcare professionals.
| French | English |
| Sécurité sociale | The national health insurance system that covers basic healthcare costs. |
| CPAM | The local branch of Sécurité Sociale that manages health insurance and reimbursements. |
| Carte vitale | The green health insurance card you use at medical appointments and pharmacies for automatic reimbursement. |
| Médecin traitant | Your designated primary care physician. |
| Ticket modérateur | The portion of healthcare costs not covered by Sécurité Sociale and usually paid by you or your mutuelle. |
| Mutuelle | Private health insurance that covers costs not reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale. |
