Health Insurance

Under the French National Health System (Sécurité Sociale), you are required to pay for visits to the doctor and the subsequent medicines prescribed, which are then refunded later on. The amount refunded varies considerably (from 70 % for a visit to a General Practitioner to 35% for certain medicines).

European Economic Area citizens

European Union citizens no longer need to apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour). On the 1st June 2004, the E111 and the number of other "E" forms (E128, etc.) were replaced by a new European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate. Currently the EEA comprises the 25 Member States of the European Union together with Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Your European Health Insurance Card is valid for use throughout any of these countries.

How to apply for the European Health Insurance Card?

You should contact the health authorities of your country or your local welfare to see what measures are put in place at national level to distribute the card.

Nationals from EEA countries in possession of the European Health Insurance Card or Temporary Replacement Certificate will then be exempt from registering with the French Social Security.

Students carrying private health cover are also exempt from registering with the French Social Security.

Non-European Economic Area citizens

Please note that students carrying private health cover are still required to register with the French Social Security except if they are EEA nationals.

If you are under 28 by 1st October of the University Year

You are entitled to the same insurance cover as French students, and you must pay the annual fee of approx. 186 Euros.

If you are over 28 by 1st October of the University Year

You will need private insurance cover for your whole stay in France. If this has not been taken care of before departure, you will have to subscribe to a private health insurance scheme in France. Details can be supplied by the International Office on your arrival.

For students arriving in September or in January, you are strongly advised to take out personal medical insurance to cover the first month of your stay until you are fully covered under the French system to cover any eventuality while the paperwork of your application is being dealt with.

You can find information about the French health system on the internet, in French at:
www.cpam21.fr
or at
www.ameli.fr