The French Healthcare System: How It Works
France’s healthcare system is consistently ranked among the world’s best. The Assurance Maladie (Sécurité Sociale) provides universal coverage funded through payroll contributions. All legal residents — including visa holders — are covered.
How Reimbursement Works
Sécurité Sociale reimburses 70% of standard consultations (€26.50 GP visit), 80% of hospital costs, and 65% of prescribed medications. A mutuelle (complementary insurance) covers the remaining 30% and is provided by most employers. Cost: €50–150/month for individuals, €150–400 for families.
Quality Indicators
| Metric | France | UK (NHS) | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHO Ranking | #1 | #18 | #37 |
| GP Wait Time | Same day–1 week | 2–4 weeks | 1–3 weeks |
| Specialist Wait | 1–4 weeks | 6–18 weeks | 2–8 weeks |
| Annual Cost (per capita) | €4,600 | €4,200 | €10,500 |
Access for Expats
Upon validating your visa and registering with CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie), you receive your Carte Vitale — the green health card used at every medical interaction. Processing takes 2–4 months; interim coverage is available via European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for EU citizens or private insurance for non-EU arrivals.
For International Arrivals: Step by Step
Month 1: Upon arrival with your VLS-TS visa, you are covered by temporary arrangements. EU citizens can use their EHIC card. Non-EU arrivals should maintain private travel insurance. Month 2–3: Register with your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). You’ll need your validated visa, proof of residence, and RIB (bank details). Month 3–4: Receive your numéro de Sécurité Sociale (temporary, then permanent). Month 4–6: Receive your Carte Vitale — the green card used at every medical interaction for automatic reimbursement.
Choosing a Mutuelle
Most employers provide a mutuelle d’entreprise (mandatory since 2016). If self-employed or between jobs, individual mutuelles cost €50–150/month for comprehensive coverage. Top providers: Alan (digital-first, popular with startups — see our Alan profile), Harmonie Mutuelle, MGEN, SwissLife. Key coverage to check: optical (lunettes), dental (soins dentaires), hospital private room (chambre particulière), and specialist excess fees (dépassements d’honoraires).
Pharmacies and Prescriptions
France has 21,000+ pharmacies — one of the densest networks globally. Pharmacies are identified by the green cross and operate with extended hours. Prescription medications are reimbursed 15–100% depending on classification. Médecin traitant (declared GP): every resident should declare a treating physician to maximize reimbursement rates. Without one, specialist consultations are reimbursed at 30% instead of 70%.
Emergency Services
15 — SAMU (medical emergencies), 18 — Pompiers (fire/rescue), 112 — European emergency. Hospital emergency departments (urgences) provide immediate care regardless of insurance status. France has 1,350+ hospitals including world-renowned institutions: Pitié-Salpêtrière, Hôpital Necker (pediatrics), Institut Curie (oncology), Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou.