Overview of the French Healthcare System
France operates a universal healthcare system known as l'Assurance Maladie. For international students, access to this system is mandatory and, in most cases, provided free of charge. The system is managed through the Sécurité Sociale (Social Security), which reimburses a portion of medical expenses, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescription medications.
The French system is based on the principle of "co-payment." While the state covers a significant percentage of healthcare costs (usually around 70%), the remaining balance is the responsibility of the student. This remaining cost can be covered by a private complementary insurance plan, known as a mutuelle.
Eligibility and Registration Requirements
Eligibility for the French healthcare system depends on your nationality, the length of your stay, and your visa type. The rules are categorized into two primary groups:
European Union (EU) and EEA Students
Students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not need to register with the French Social Security system if they hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card allows access to healthcare under the same conditions as French residents. If the stay extends beyond the card's validity or the student takes up employment in France, local registration may become necessary.
Non-EU International Students
Students from outside the European Union must register with the French Social Security system to receive coverage. This process is mandatory for those staying longer than 90 days on a Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS). Registration is performed through a dedicated portal: etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr.
To complete the registration, the following documents are typically required:
- A valid passport and residence permit (Visa or Titre de séjour).
- A certificate of enrollment (Attestation d'inscription) for the current academic year.
- A full birth certificate (translated into French if necessary).
- An IBAN (French bank account details) for receiving reimbursements.
Costs and Reimbursement Rates
The registration with the mandatory Social Security system is free of charge for all students. However, students must pay the CVEC (Contribution Vie Étudiante et de Campus) before enrolling at their university. For the 2025/2026 academic year, this fee is approximately 105 EUR ($111 USD, Jan 2026).
Once registered, the system provides partial reimbursement for medical services. Below are the standard rates for common medical acts:
- General Practitioner (GP) Visit: The standard consultation fee is approximately 26.50 EUR ($28.00 USD, Jan 2026). Social Security typically reimburses 70% of this amount, minus a 2.00 EUR ($2.12 USD, Jan 2026) flat-rate contribution.
- Prescription Drugs: Reimbursement varies between 15% and 100% depending on the medical necessity of the drug.
- Hospitalization: Generally covered at 80%, though some specific treatments may be covered at 100%.
Note: To maximize reimbursement, students must declare a "Médecin Traitant" (Primary Care Physician). Failure to do so results in significantly lower reimbursement rates from the state.
Complementary Health Insurance (Mutuelle)
Because the state only covers a portion of healthcare costs, it is highly recommended that students purchase a Mutuelle. This is optional but essential for covering the remaining 30% of standard costs, as well as expensive services like dental care, optometry, and private hospital rooms.
Student-specific mutuelles generally cost between 20 EUR ($21 USD, Jan 2026) and 50 EUR ($53 USD, Jan 2026) per month, depending on the level of coverage chosen. Popular providers include Heyme, LMDE, and various general insurance companies.
Exceptions and Special Cases
The following exceptions apply to specific student profiles:
- Short-term stays (less than 90 days): Students on a short-stay "Schengen" visa are generally not eligible for French Social Security and must purchase private international travel insurance.
- Quebecois Students: Due to a bilateral agreement between France and Quebec, students from Quebec may remain covered by their provincial insurance (RAMQ) by providing specific forms (SE 401-Q-102 or SE 401-Q-106).
- Students over 28: While the age limit for "student status" in social security was removed in 2018, specific rules regarding employment or residency duration may apply to older students continuing their studies.
For further official details, students are advised to consult the official French public service website.