Healthcare in France for expats : What you need to know
When moving to France, one of the most important questions every expat asks is : How does healthcare work ? The French healthcare system is often ranked among the best in the world, offering high-quality care, efficient services, and strong public coverage. But for foreigners, navigating the system can feel overwhelming at first.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about healthcare in France, from enrolling in the public system to deciding which private insurance is right for you.
The French healthcare system explained
France operates under a universal healthcare system funded primarily by social security contributions and taxes. Residents, including eligible expats, can access medical care through l’Assurance Maladie, the national health insurance scheme.
The French model is often described as a hybrid: it combines public funding with private providers. That means you can choose your doctor or specialist freely, but a large part of the cost is reimbursed by the state.
- Primary care: Most people first see a médecin traitant (general practitioner) who coordinates ongoing care.
- Specialist care: Patients can consult specialists (cardiologists, gynecologists, etc.) with or without referral, depending on the situation.
- Hospitals and clinics: Both public and private facilities exist, with high standards of medical treatment.
How expats can register for French healthcare
To access the public system, expats need to enroll in Sécurité Sociale. The exact process depends on your status (student, employee, self-employed, retiree), but the general steps are :
- Get legal residency : You’ll need a valid visa or residency permit.
- Apply for a Social Security number : This is essential for healthcare coverage. Applications are made through your local CPAM office (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie).
- Submit documents : Typically, you will need proof of identity, residence in France, and employment or student status.
- Receive your carte Vitale : This green health insurance card allows doctors and pharmacies to process reimbursements directly.
Expats who are employed in France are usually automatically registered through their employer. Students may qualify for student health coverage, while retirees from the EU can often transfer their benefits using an S1 form.
Public vs. private health insurance
While the French state reimburses a significant portion of healthcare costs, it rarely covers 100%. On average, the public system reimburses 70% of doctor visits and 80% of hospital costs. Patients are responsible for the remainder.
That’s where private insurance (mutuelle) comes in. Most residents take out supplementary insurance to cover the gap.
- Public healthcare: Affordable, universal, and high-quality.
- Private health insurance: Provides additional coverage for out-of-pocket expenses, dental care, vision, and private hospital rooms.
For expats, especially those with specific medical needs or frequent specialist visits, private insurance can make a big difference in reducing costs.
How much does healthcare cost in France?
One of the biggest surprises for expats is how affordable French healthcare can be compared to other countries.
- Doctor’s visit: Around 25–30€, with up to 70% reimbursed by Sécurité Sociale.
- Specialist consultation: 50–100€, partially reimbursed.
- Hospital stay: Covered mostly by the state, with a small daily charge (forfait hospitalier).
- Pharmacy prescriptions: Medications are heavily subsidized, with most costs reimbursed depending on necessity.
- Private health insurance (mutuelle) usually costs between 30–100€ per month, depending on coverage and age.
Practical tips for expats
Choose your General Practitioner early : Register a médecin traitant to ensure higher reimbursement rates.
- Keep all paperwork : Reimbursements require proper documentation.
- Consider bilingual doctors : In larger cities, many doctors speak English, which can ease communication.
- Don’t skip insurance : Even if you are young and healthy, supplementary insurance is strongly recommended.
Healthcare in France is one of the country’s greatest advantages for expats. Once you’re registered with Sécurité Sociale, you’ll benefit from high-quality medical care at a fraction of the cost found in many other countries. Pairing the public system with a good private insurance plan ensures peace of mind and comprehensive coverage.
For expats moving to France, understanding the basics of the healthcare system means you can focus on enjoying your new life, knowing that world-class care is always within reach.
