Healthcare in France

Ranked 17th in the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation, healthcare in France is world-renowned and operates through an intricate public-private combination that is both efficient and generous.

While most locals claim to be happy with the healthcare system in France, the vast majority also supplement state-provided coverage with private health insurance that covers add-ons such as private hospital rooms, dentistry and eye care.

If you’re lucky enough to take advantage of the public system and the associated insurance, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Even if you’re forced to shell out substantially more for private health insurance, you’ll still likely be satisfied with the standard of care.

Public healthcare in France

The network of public healthcare facilities in France spans the entire country and includes more than 3,000 regional, university, local and general hospitals. The system upholds an exceptionally high standard and emphasises primary care.

The French public healthcare system once had virtually no waiting lists, but wait times have increased in recent years. You’ll now wait about 10 days to see a GP, although this remains better than in the UK and Canada. You’ll still find that you have plenty of choices when selecting a doctor or specialist in France.

EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state healthcare during a short-term visit. UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which replaced the EHIC for UK citizens post-Brexit. Your existing EHIC remains valid until its expiry date.

The public health insurance system, known as Sécurité Sociale, provides basic coverage to those who qualify and is funded by tax contributions from salary deductions. If you’re employed in France, self-employed but make the necessary contributions, or have reached official retirement age in your home country, you can use the French public healthcare system once you’ve registered at your local social security office.

The public system covers about 70 percent of medical bills. Most locals and foreigners use private supplemental insurance to cover themselves for the remainder of the medical fees. The government covers 100 percent of the medical bills for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cancer, covering surgery, therapy and drugs.

If you’re using the public healthcare system, keep in mind that even though the choice of doctor is left up to you, going to the same doctor will assure higher compensation from social security. You must also acquire a referral before consulting a specialist, or the state will lower its contribution. Certain professionals, such as psychiatrists and dentists, are exceptions to this rule.

It is worth noting that payment is required upfront for some appointments, and you’ll only be reimbursed later.

Useful links

• Ameli: The Official French Health Insurance Website (English Version)
• CLEISS: Information on Healthcare Rights for EU Citizens
• Service-Public.fr: Health Insurance Information for Foreigners in France

Private healthcare in France

Private healthcare is available in France but provides little advantage in terms of quality of care over the public system. Private clinics typically offer specialised care with shorter waiting times than public hospitals.

Most healthcare providers in France work in private offices and run fee-for-service practices. The French government still plays a strong role in negotiating medical fees and costs associated with prescription drugs. Most private physicians accept the state-negotiated fees, but some doctors in the major urban centres and select sub-specialists may bill extra.

Medicines and pharmacies in France

Medicines and pharmacies in France operate under strict regulations. Pharmacies are the only place to purchase over-the-counter medicine, and you won’t find basic medications like painkillers or flu remedies in supermarkets.

You can identify pharmacies by their large illuminated cross sign, normally red or green. Most pharmacies are open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm. Late-night pharmacies (Pharmacie de Garde) can also be found in major cities. Nearby late-night pharmacies are usually posted on closed pharmacy doors, and digital alternatives like the ‘Mon Pharmacien’ app make finding an open pharmacy much easier, especially in emergencies.

Private health insurance in France

Private health insurance in France supplements the public system for nearly 95 percent of the French population. Even though public health insurance covers about 70 percent of medical bills, most locals and foreigners use supplementary plans to cover themselves for the remainder of medical fees. These private health plans are often supplied by employers. If you’re moving to France for work, you should try negotiating this into your package before signing a contract.

Owing to the success of the public health insurance system, there are far fewer providers of private healthcare insurance in France than in many other destinations. Many expats value private coverage for its ability to fill gaps in the public system, offer wider access to healthcare facilities, and provide global coverage that works beyond French borders.

Vaccinations in France

When moving to France, you should ensure your routine vaccinations are current. No specific vaccinations are required for entry into France or residence permits, but standard immunisations are recommended. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and seasonal flu. For adults, a pertussis booster with a 10-year interval between vaccinations is recommended.

COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended but no longer required for entry. Once you’ve established care with a French doctor, they can advise you on any vaccination updates needed according to the French schedule.

Emergency services in France

Emergency services in France are primarily handled by SAMU (Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence), a hospital-based network with around 100 call centres across the country. SAMU provides ambulance services, phone medical advice, and specialised medical assistance. The dispatch centres are staffed by physicians and trained medical personnel who triage calls and determine the appropriate response.

In an emergency in France, dial 15 if using a landline or 112 on a mobile. Emergency services might contact you back on 0800 112 112, so be prepared to answer calls from this number if you’ve requested help. Response times may vary between urban and rural areas, with rural regions experiencing longer wait times of potentially 14 minutes or more.

English support may be limited, especially outside major tourist areas. Having a French speaker nearby can be invaluable during medical emergencies.