Guide to Health Insurance for Expats in France
Expats in France have the option to either secure private health insurance individually or opt for public health insurance. While the language barrier may be an issue for some, it’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility for expats to obtain health insurance in France.
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International health insurance has a wider coverage and a greater range of benefits such as dental, vision, and maternity care. If you are relocating to France with your family, it would be a good idea to consider international health insurance to ensure your family’s safety.
In this Pacific Prime blog post, we will be going over expat health insurance in France, along with healthcare options in France as well as options for health insurance you can choose from.
Options for Health Insurance in France
Options for health insurance in France include statutory health insurance and private health insurance.The first thing that needs to be made clear is that health insurance coverage is required by law. Expats will be happy to know that they will be eligible to apply for state health insurance.
For those not covered by state health insurance, and those who are looking to maximize their health coverage, private health insurance is highly recommended.
Statutory Health Insurance
Locals and expats who want to stay long-term in France are eligible for state medical insurance. As of January 2016, statutory health insurance has been universally granted under the PUMA (protection universelle maladie) law.
To register for the French national health insurance system, visit your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire Assurance Maladie) office. Documents you will need for the registration include:
- National ID or passport
- Proof of long-term residency
- Proof of address
- Marriage/birth certificates (if you want to register for your family)
- Evidence of choosing and submitting a declaration to your insurer of choice
- Evidence of income
Despite covering a wide array of services, most residents still need to pay an excess fee out of pocket or through an additional private health insurance policy. Also, keep in mind that some residents can’t claim healthcare until after three months of residency.
This means they may need to secure a private health plan in the meantime.
Private Health Insurance
Because universal health insurance might not actually cover 100% of all medical treatment costs, certain expats may consider private health insurance despite having statutory health insurance coverage.
This is because a private plan provides further protection against additional fees, as well as access to a bigger range of services with comprehensive benefits. Some examples include coverage for major dental treatment, additional preventative care, and alternative therapies.
A major drawback of relying only on statutory health insurance and/or a local private plan in France is that it covers the policyholder only in one country. Those who want to access healthcare in France and overseas should then consider an international health insurance policy.
French Healthcare System
France is known for having one of Europe’s best healthcare systems. This can be seen in the country’s fairly high physician-to-population ratio (3.227/1,000 people), short waiting times, and statutory health insurance.
As a result, France is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s ranking of health provider efficiency as one of the world’s healthiest countries.
All of these factors grant both expats and French locals accessibility to a wide range of health services, public and private.
French Healthcare Medical Services
When it comes to the healthcare system in France, below are the notable medical services in which France’s statutory health insurance covers
- Targeted preventative health services: Examples include immunization, mammography, and colorectal cancer screening. These are tailored to each individual according to age, gender, and many other factors (such as work).
- Inpatient Care: The statutory health insurance will pay around 80% of the hospital charges, to which you will either pay for the rest out of pocket or through a supplementary private health insurance plan.
- Outpatient Care: This includes General Practitioner (GP) and most specialist visits. Note that patients can choose specialists upon referral from their primary doctor (except gynecologists, ophthalmologists, psychiatrists, and stomatologists.
- Prescription Medication: Costs are generally covered and coinsurance rates range from 15-100%, depending on whether or not the medication is considered essential and effective. Highly effective drugs, such as insulin, carry no insurance.
- Dental Treatment: Basic forms of treatment are generally covered, but in most cases, you’ll have to pay upfront and reclaim the costs later. Most adults can reclaim 70% of their dental costs, while certain procedures such as orthodontic work aren’t covered by state healthcare.
- Major Illnesses: Those affected, needing long-term care, could be eligible for receiving 100% reimbursement for treatment costs.
- Child delivery: All associated medical expenses (including compulsory prenatal and postnatal examinations) are fully covered by the national health system. However, some specialists may impose extra charges not covered by statutory health insurance.
Outside of a wide range of medical services covered by statutory health insurance, French healthcare is often affordable thanks to government-set caps on service fees.
However, the national health insurance scheme doesn’t exactly cover every medical service, and most services are subject to a copayment of approximately 20%.
The required excess fee from patients for most medical services can be costly in some instances, particularly when seeking treatment from private hospitals or clinics. As such, opting for private health insurance can be the best option for obtaining national health insurance coverage.
Types of Medical Care in France
Public and private hospitals, along with doctors and specialists are all part of the French healthcare system. Below are the primary types of medical care in France.
Public & Private Hospitals
France, much like any other country worldwide, has both private and public hospitals. 80% of hospital care is statutory health insurance funded, while the remaining 20% is paid out of pocket or supplementary private health insurance fund.
While most types of hospital care are covered by national health insurance, individuals staying overnight will have to pay EUR 18 in most cases for board and lodging. Additional charges such as private hospital rooms and bedding will need to be paid out of pocket.
French Public Hospitals
French public hospitals offer high care standards and a multitude of services and surgeries. Do keep in mind, though, that not all hospitals will have an Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. Thus, make sure to familiarize yourself with the nearest A&E departments available in your area.
Rural area residents should also note that public hospital facilities there aren’t generally as well-equipped as those in the city and may lack medical staff who speak English or other non-French languages.
French Private Hospitals
Profit-making private hospitals and clinics usually offer more specialized services, such as specialist dermatological services, as these areas are where profit opportunities lie.
Thus, full-service private hospitals in France are extremely rare, with few exceptions such as the American Hospital of Paris.
Most private hospitals are state-approved and are considered part of the national health service. While most private health services are subsidized, the excess cost required from patients can be unreasonably high, particularly for extensive or specialist private care.
This is where private health insurance comes in by taking care of these charges and offering extra benefits not seen in national health system coverage (such as major dental treatment benefits).
Pharmacies
France has over 22,000 pharmacies available, with usual operating hours being Mondays to Saturdays from 9 am to 8 pm. Patients must bring a prescription from their GP or specialist in order to claim prescription medication from a pharmacy.
While prescription medications are generally cheaper in France when compared to most other European countries, the national health system only covers a fraction of the costs in most cases.
The reimbursement percentage depends on the medication’s importance and effectiveness, but the rate is usually 65%. If you have complementary private health insurance, this could help alleviate the remaining amount.
Dental Services
France has high dental care standards, and treatment costs tend to be affordable as well as consistent with official rates set by the government.
For example, the official rate of a dental consultation is EUR 23, which is then 70%-reimbursed by the national health system. However, some dentists charge more than the official rate, so make sure you check your dentist’s price list carefully.
Usually, unless your dentist has direct billing arrangements with your insurer, you will have to pay off your dental treatment first and reclaim the reimbursed amount afterward. Specialist services such as orthodontics and cosmetic services such as whitening are not state system-covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does health insurance in France cost?
By default, the average health insurance cost in France is EUR 40 (approx 45 USD)/month for one person. Keep in mind that prices will vary depending on your selected policy.
Are there English-speaking hospitals in France?
There are some hospitals in Paris with bilingual doctors and staff. The American Hospital of Paris and the Hertford British Hospital are good options for English speakers.
What are the average doctor waiting times in France?
Depending on your reason for seeing a doctor and your desired treatment, waiting times for seeing a doctor in France could range from six to 80 days.
What if I get sick outside of working hours?
If you do get sick outside of working hours, you can’t access shops or pharmacies, and doctors’ offices are usually closed in the evenings and on Sundays. If you need medical assistance outside of working hours, however, some doctors in big cities and some smaller cities remain on duty.
Are out-of-hours services available?
To access the Maisons médicales de garde (MMG), you will need to call your local police station and your call will be forwarded to the doctor. There will be extra fees for out-of-hours treatment, which can be reimbursed through the French social security system thanks to private health insurance.
Are out-of-hours services available in rural areas?
For rural areas, there usually isn’t out-of-hours medical assistance. In this case, please call Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente(Urgent Medical Aid Service) by dialing 15 for emergency medical treatment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, health insurance in France is required by law and includes two options, namely statutory health insurance and private health insurance. Just as locals can apply for either option, expats can also apply just as easily.
From basic inpatient and outpatient coverage to dental and childbirth coverage, relocating to France while ensuring safety and well-being is no longer a far-fetched dream for you with the help of international health insurance.
With over 20 years of experience, Pacific Prime is ready to match locals and expats alike with not only budget-friendly insurance plans but also plans that align with their unique healthcare needs. Visit us online today for more information or a free quote.
Should there be any further questions or queries from you, please get in touch with us and we’ll be glad to assist you with service-mindedness and impartiality.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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How do health insurance options in France differ for expats on temporary visas versus those on long-term or permanent residency?
Health insurance options in France differ significantly for expats on temporary visas compared to those with long-term or permanent residency. Temporary visa holders typically rely on private health insurance since they may not meet the residency duration requirements (three months) to access the state’s PUMA system. In contrast, long-term or permanent residents can register for statutory health insurance, though many still opt for supplementary private plans to cover out-of-pocket costs and secure more comprehensive benefits.
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