Understanding the French healthcare system
The French healthcare system is universal and accessible to everyone, including expatriates. It is financed by the French social security, a compulsory health insurance system which covers a large part of the costs of medical care.
As an expatriate living in France, you are eligible for health insurance as soon as you start working and contributing to social security. However, there is often a three-month waiting period before you can qualify for this coverage.
What Germans need to know
Here are some important things Germans should know about the French healthcare system:
- Health coverage: Health insurance covers approximately 70% of the costs of general medical care and up to 100% for certain specific care, such as that related to a chronic illness. To cover the rest, many people choose insurance Complementary Health, or “mutual”.
- Attending physician: To benefit from optimal reimbursement, you must declare an attending physician. This GP will be your first point of contact for all health problems.
- Carte Vitale: The Carte Vitale is the French health insurance card. It contains all your health information and is used during each medical visit to facilitate repayment.
- Emergency care: In the event of a medical emergency, you can go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 15 (SAMU). Emergency care is usually 100% covered.
The French healthcare system offers universal healthcare coverage which, when properly understood, provides peace of mind to all residents, including German expats.
