Healthcare in France: What You Need to Know

Moving to France means adapting to a new healthcare system, and at first it can seem overwhelming.

Between the Carte Vitale, social security numbers, mutuelle insurance, finding a GP and understanding reimbursements, there are many steps that aren’t always clearly explained.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the documents you’ll need to apply for your Carte Vitale to booking your first doctor’s appointment and understanding how healthcare costs are covered in France.

1. How to get a Carte Vitale

The first step is becoming eligible for the French healthcare system.

In most cases, this happens after you start working in France or meet another eligibility requirement, such as registering with France Travail.

Before gathering your documents, it’s usually a good idea to visit your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) in person.

When you first arrive in France, you won’t yet have access to an online Ameli account because your healthcare rights haven’t been activated. Visiting your local CPAM allows you to speak directly with an advisor, who can explain the application process and tell you exactly which documents you’ll need based on your situation.

In many cases, you’ll either be asked to leave copies of your documents at the office or send your application by post. Requirements may vary slightly depending on your local CPAM, so asking for guidance in person can help you avoid delays.

Documents you may need

Once your application has been processed and your healthcare rights have been activated, you’ll be able to create your Ameli account and manage most procedures online.

Before starting your application, make sure you have the necessary documents ready.

2. What happens after you apply?

After submitting your application, you usually receive a temporary French Social Security number while your file is being processed.

Later, once your application has been validated, you’ll receive your permanent Social Security number and eventually your Carte Vitale.

Processing times vary depending on your situation and where you live, so don’t be surprised if it takes several weeks—or even a few months.

3. What is a mutuelle?

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is that the Carte Vitale doesn’t automatically cover all your healthcare expenses.

France has two different levels of healthcare coverage.

Assurance Maladie

This is the public healthcare system and it reimburses part of your medical expenses.

Mutuelle

A mutuelle is complementary health insurance.
It covers all or part of the amount that isn’t reimbursed by the public system.
If you’re employed, your employer will usually offer a company mutuelle, which is often partially paid by the employer.
If you don’t have access to one, you can choose a private mutuelle yourself.

People with lower incomes may also be eligible for the Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (CSS). This scheme is offered by the French Assurance Maladie to people who meet certain income requirements and can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—healthcare costs.

4. Keep your Carte Vitale updated

Receiving your Carte Vitale isn’t the last step.
It’s important to update it regularly, especially after any change in your personal situation or healthcare rights.

Fortunately, this only takes a few minutes. You can update your card at most pharmacies using one of their terminals.

Keeping it updated ensures your reimbursements are processed correctly and that your healthcare rights remain active.

5. Finding a GP (médecin traitant)

This is one of the biggest challenges many expats face.

Although France has an excellent healthcare system, finding a GP willing to accept new patients has become increasingly difficult, particularly in large cities.

Many doctors have already reached the maximum number of patients they can follow regularly.

If you can’t immediately find a médecin traitant, don’t panic.
You can still consult other doctors whenever necessary.

6. Booking appointments with Doctolib

Most people in France book medical appointments through Doctolib.

The platform allows you to:

It has become the easiest way to access healthcare in France.

7. Understanding Secteur 1, Secteur 2 and Secteur 3

Before booking an appointment, it’s worth checking which sector your doctor belongs to.

This can make a significant difference to how much you’ll pay.

Secteur 1	Government-regulated fees	Usually the lowest cost
Secteur 2	Doctors can charge additional fees	Higher out-of-pocket costs
Secteur 3	Non-conventionné doctors	Very limited reimbursement

If you’re unsure, choosing a Secteur 1 doctor is generally the safest option, especially if you’re trying to avoid unexpected medical bills.

8. Specialists, hospitals and medical appointments

If you need to see a specialist, France offers both public hospitals and private clinics. The quality of healthcare is generally very high, with access to modern facilities and highly qualified professionals.

In many cases, you’ll need a referral from your médecin traitant (GP) to receive the best reimbursement for specialist consultations. However, if you don’t have a regular GP yet, you can still book appointments directly with many specialists, although waiting times may be longer and reimbursement may vary depending on the situation.

Most hospitals also allow you to book appointments directly through their reception desks or online.

Whether you’re visiting a GP, a specialist, a hospital or a laboratory, your Carte Vitale is one of the most important documents you’ll use during your stay in France.

If you don’t have your Carte Vitale yet, you can still receive medical care, although you may need to pay upfront and request reimbursement later, depending on your situation.

9. Living with a chronic illness in France

If you already have a chronic illness before moving to France, it’s important to understand how your medical care will continue once you’re covered by the French healthcare system.

Some healthcare arrangements exist between European countries, allowing certain treatments to continue across borders. However, these rules don’t apply to every situation, so it’s essential to discuss your medical history with your doctor after arriving in France.

If your condition requires long-term treatment or expensive medication, your doctor may apply for an Affection de Longue Durée (ALD) on your behalf.

An ALD allows eligible patients to receive 100% reimbursement for healthcare related to their chronic condition, including consultations, examinations and many prescribed medications covered by the French healthcare system.

Depending on your situation and your mutuelle, you may sometimes have to pay medical expenses upfront before being reimbursed. However, treatments covered under an approved ALD are generally paid directly by the healthcare system, greatly reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

If you live with a chronic illness, applying for an ALD can make a significant difference to both your healthcare access and your financial peace of mind.

10. Disability recognition through the MDPH

If you have a long-term disability or a health condition that significantly affects your daily life, you may be eligible to apply for support through the Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées (MDPH).

The MDPH is a public organization that evaluates each application individually and determines which rights and benefits you may be entitled to based on your medical condition and personal circumstances.

Depending on your situation, this may include disability recognition, workplace accommodations, financial support, mobility cards or other forms of assistance designed to improve your quality of life.

The application process can take several months, so it’s worth starting as early as possible if you think you may qualify.

Although the paperwork can seem overwhelming at first, receiving official recognition can make everyday life much easier and provide access to valuable support while living in France.

💡 Maya’s Tip

When I first moved to France, I underestimated how long some administrative procedures could take. My advice is simple: start your healthcare application as soon as you find a job and keep every document carefully organized. It will make the whole process much smoother.