The French state provides health care for all people living in France. In some cases, you might even benefit from special programs for people in financial difficulties.
If you are not covered by the system of your country of origin and are not eligible for basic social security schemes (which include health insurance). For example, to be covered under the French Social Security System and receive reimbursement, you need to pay contributions through paid employment. For this and some other reasons, you might benefit from two specific health care systems called Universal Health Insurance Coverage (CMU) and State Health Aid (AME).
French residents not covered by other insurance may be eligible for CMU (Couverture Maladie Universelle) coverage, which provides sickness and maternity coverage to the same extent as the general social security schemes. They are two types of CMU:
Basic CMU (CMU de base)
You pay medical expenses and are reimbursed according to defined rates (see our Guide to the Health Insurance in France). If the annual household income is higher than a certain amount (which was €9,356 in 2019, but changes every year), a level of contributions has to be paid. This is about 8% of your net income above the mentioned figure. This means you pay 8% contribution over your income deducted by the minimum threshold.
Supplementary CMU (CMU complémentaire)
Affiliation to the supplementary CMU is free if you’re on a low income that is under a certain level, which depends on the number of household members (CMU-C Income Thresholds can be found here). In this case no payment is required for any medical expenses (doctors, prescribed medicines, hospitalisation, etc.). Note: also people who are under the Social Security System can profit from the supplementary CMU. The CMU-C provides free health insurance for everybody on a low income, whether they are unemployed, employed or self-employed.
To be eligible for either CMU you must have:
The process of applying may take some time, up to three months.
On the CMU website (only in French) you can apply directly. The application should include:
If the application is accepted, you will get a CMU certificate and a Carte Vitale, which allows you access to healthcare to the same extent as the general social security scheme. For more information go to the CMU website(in French only).
AME, State Health Aid
AME (Aide Médicale de l'Etat) ensures basic health care for illegal foreign residents, you may be eligible if:
You should submit your application to one of the following organizations: your local Caisse d'Assurance Maladie, CCAS (Centre Communal d'Action Sociale), local Town Hall (Mairie), local Social Services, some hospitals or other heath care service providers
The application must include:
If your application is accepted, you will be covered for one year. It is renewable, if you continue to qualify. Renewal should be applied for two months before cover expires.
AME means you do not pay for any medical expenses (doctors, prescribed medicines, hospitalisation, etc.). You do not receive a French Social Security number, Carte Vitale or health coverage in other EU/EEA states.
For the latest developments in healthcare, visit our website on expatriate healthcare.