Healthcare System in France: everything you need to know

 How does the healthcare system work in France?

France has a high quality healthcare system which offers universal coverage for all citizens, regardless of their income level or age. Regional health agencies are responsible for the planning and delivery of medical services following the strategy and budgets set by the national government.

It is mandatory in France to enroll in the health insurance system, which covers prescription drugs, long-term care costs hospital fees. The insurance system is financed through taxes paid by employers and employees, a national income tax, and taxes on certain industries and products. The social security system, to which these taxes are paid, covers 70% of the cost of treatment. If you have a long-term medical condition, it may cover 100%.

The remaining 30%, which corresponds to co-payment, co-insurance, and doctor's charges that exceed the covered rates, comes out of the patient's pocket. Because of this, 95% of citizens have supplemental insurance to cover additional charges, as well as dental, auditory and vision care.

How do I access the healthcare system as a foreigner?

If you are moving to France for an extended period of time, after three months of residence you can register to the local healthcare system through the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA), a system created in 2016 exclusively for foreigners.

Tourists coming from countries members of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland have access to the public healthcare system simply by shwoing their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

If you are traveling from another country for vacation, the best option is to have a travel insurance plan. 

At InternationalHealth.com you can compare, quote and hire the best insurance plans for your next trip to France. Simply fill out your information and find the best option based on your profile. 

What do I do if I have an emergency in France?

The general emergency hotline is 112. However, there are also specific lines for police, fire or ambulance services. The important numbers to have at hand are:

Police: 17.
Ambulance (SAMU): 15.
Fire Department: 18.

In these situations, especially if you require medical attention and ambulance service, it is important to have medical insurance, either travel insurance or international health insurance, because if you do not have it you will have to pay the full amount for the service.

Can I enter France with medication?

If you are under medical treatment that requires permanent medication, you can bring them into the country, but you must carry the prescription issued in your country of origin. The maximum supply you can bring in is three months, and cannot exceed the amount required for the treatment.

How do pharmacies operate in France?

France is one of the countries with the most pharmacies, about 23,000 nationwide. Therefore, you will have no problem finding one, and you can identify them by the characteristic green cross at the entrance.

In local pharmacies you will find a wide variety of hygiene and beauty products. They also have a pharmacist (usually the owner of the pharmacy) who can recommend medications and also validate your prescription. Many people in France consult a pharmacist rather than their family doctor for basic health problems. They may, therefore, be the place to go if you have a cold or a common health issue.

Pharmacies have exclusivity to sell over-the-counter medications, you will not find them in supermarkets or other stores. There are no chain pharmacies either, since the owner of the pharmacy must be a pharmacist and cannot own more than one.

Entry Requirements

Foreigners traveling to France are not required to show proof of vaccination against Covid-19. There are no restrictions imposed by Covid-19.

However, they must have medical insurance and the corresponding visa in case they need it.