France is famous for its high-quality healthcare system, which is consistently ranked among the best in the world. The country boasts a comprehensive and affordable healthcare system that provides insurance coverage for its residents, including foreigners.
"La Sécurité Sociale"
- France has a universal healthcare system known as La Sécurité Sociale. It guarantees that all residents, regardless of nationality or income, have access to medical services.
- Foreigners living or studying in France are generally entitled to the same healthcare services as French citizens, provided they have the necessary insurance coverage.
Insurance coverage
- To access medical services in France, residents must have health insurance.
- French students and employees usually have French student health insurance (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante) or general social insurance (Régime Général de la Sécurité Sociale).
- International students and temporary residents may need private health insurance or insurance from their home country, depending on their visa requirements.
Types of health insurance:
French student health insurance (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante)
- This insurance is usually mandatory for international students studying in France.
- It is available to students under the age of 28 and provides coverage for medical expenses, including consultations, medications, and hospitalization.
- French student health insurance is usually obtained at the university or school, and its cost is included in the student's registration fees.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Citizens of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA) can use the EHIC to access healthcare services in France.
- EHIC allows you to receive the necessary medical care on the same terms as French citizens.
- It is important to note that the EHIC is not a substitute for comprehensive health insurance and may not cover all medical expenses, so additional insurance coverage is recommended.
Private health insurance
- Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries and individuals who do not have other insurance coverage may need private health insurance.
- Private health insurance policies designed specifically for foreign nationals living in France are available from various insurance companies.
- These policies typically cover a wide range of medical expenses, including consultations, hospitalization, medications, and emergency care.
Insurance in your home country
Some individuals may have health insurance in their home country, which includes provisions for medical treatment abroad.
The cost of health insurance
1) French student health insurance: For international students studying in France, the cost of French student health insurance is included in the registration fee at the educational institution.
2) European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): EHIC is obtained through the national healthcare system of the country of residence, and may not require any direct costs.
PLEASE NOTE that the EHIC may not cover all medical expenses in France and additional private health insurance is recommended to ensure full coverage.
3) Private health insurance: The cost of private health insurance for foreigners in France can vary significantly depending on the level of coverage and the insurance company.
The basic coverage of private health insurance can range from 50 to 100 euros per month, depending on factors such as age and health.
More comprehensive insurance plans with additional benefits and higher coverage limits may have higher premiums, ranging from a few hundred euros to more than a thousand euros per year.
4) Insurance at home:The cost of insurance coverage from your home country can vary greatly depending on the terms of the policy.
Quality of medical services
- France is known for its high standards of medical care, modern equipment and highly qualified medical personnel.
- The French healthcare system places a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and respect for patients' rights.
- The country has an extensive network of hospitals, clinics and specialized medical centers that offer a wide range of services and treatments.
Accessibility of treatment for foreigners
- Foreigners in France have access to the same medical services as French citizens.
- In order to receive emergency medical care, you usually need a referral from a general practitioner (médecin traitant) or a specialist.
- It is advisable for foreign residents to have health insurance that includes repatriation in case of serious illness.
Medical institutions and resources to contact
1. Local public hospitals and clinics.
- Public hospitals and clinics in France provide a wide range of medical services.
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) is the largest public hospital system in the country and has several facilities in Paris and the surrounding regions.
- Each city and region of France has its own public hospitals and clinics that provide medical services to residents, including foreigners.
2. Private hospitals and clinics.
- Private hospitals and clinics in France are known for their high-quality medical services and short waiting times.
- These facilities often have English-speaking staff and serve foreign patients.
- Examples of well-known private hospitals in France include the American Hospital in Paris, the Curie Institute, and the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital.
3. Embassies and consulates.
- Foreign embassies and consulates can provide information and assistance to their citizens regarding healthcare services in France.
- Contact your embassy or consulate for a list of recommended medical centers, doctors, and specialists in your area.
- They can also provide guidance on insurance coverage and emergency medical care.
4. International clinics and medical centers.
- France has international clinics and medical centers that meet the needs of foreigners and foreign patients.
- These facilities often have multilingual staff, including English-speaking doctors and nurses.
- Examples of international clinics include the American Hospital in Paris, the British Hospital, and the French-British Hospital Institute (Institut Hospitalier Franco-Britannique).
5. Online resources and platforms.
Various online directories and platforms provide information about medical centers, doctors, and specialists in France.
- Doctolib (www.doctolib.fr) is a popular online platform that allows users to search for doctors, book appointments, and read patient reviews.
- The Yellow Pages (www.pagesjaunes.fr) is another online directory that lists medical centers and medical professionals.
6. Local general practitioners (Médecin Traitant).
- Having a local family doctor (médecin traitant) can be helpful in coordinating your health care needs in France.
- Your family doctor can refer you to specialized medical centers and specialists if necessary.
- He or she can also provide ongoing primary care services and serve as a point of contact for any medical issues.
Medical industries in demand
- France has a high reputation in such areas as cardiology, oncology, neurology, orthopedics, dermatology, and reproductive medicine.
- French medical facilities attract patients from all over the world who are looking for specialized treatment, complex surgeries, and advanced medical technologies.
Co-payment and reimbursement of patient expenses
- France has a system of co-payment and reimbursement by patients.
- Patients usually pay part of their medical expenses upfront during treatment, and the rest is reimbursed by the insurance system.
- Reimbursement rates vary depending on the type of treatment and level of coverage.
A visa for medical treatment or a Schengen visa for medical reasons allows its holder to enter any of the Schengen member states and receive medical treatment for their health condition.
Who is a visa for medical treatment intended for?
This visa is intended for those who need medical care in Europe for a period of up to 90 days. If your medical therapy or treatment is expected to last longer than this, you should instead apply for a national medical treatment visa in the respective country, which allows you to stay longer.
PLEASE NOTE, patients from third countries that have not reached a visa-free agreement with Schengen members must obtain this visa before flying to any of the Schengen countries.
Submitting an application
1. Identify the specific medical purpose of your visit, for example, to seek specialized treatment, undergo surgery, or consult with medical professionals in France.
2. Determine the duration of your treatment or consultation, as this will determine the validity and duration of your visa.
3. Before applying for a visa, it is advisable to establish contact with a medical institution or healthcare provider in France.
4. Receive an invitation or confirmation letter from the medical facility stating the purpose, duration, and details of your treatment or consultation.
5. Gather the necessary documents:
- A completed visa application form.
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages, valid for more than the planned duration of stay.
- Two recent passport-size photographs.
- Proof of travel health insurance covering the entire period of stay in France.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover medical expenses and stay in France.
- A letter from a medical institution or healthcare provider in France detailing the purpose, duration and confirmation of your medical treatment or consultation.
- Confirmation of your accommodation reservation in France.
- Confirmation of the travel itinerary, including airline reservations.
- Any additional documents requested by the French embassy or consulate.
6. Apply for a visa at the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence or citizenship.
7. Pay the required visa fee.
8. Schedule an appointment to submit your application and, if necessary, for an interview.
9. Attend a visa interview, if required. The interview is usually conducted to verify the purpose and details of your medical visit. Provide any additional documents or information that will be requested during the interview.
10. After submitting your application, wait for the visa processing time, which may vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Once the decision is made, you will be notified of the approval or rejection of your visa application.
Emergency medical care in France is highly efficient and accessible to both residents and visitors. The country has a well-established emergency medical care system that provides timely and appropriate assistance to people in medical emergencies.
Emergency phone numbers
1. The emergency phone number in France is 112, which can be dialed from any phone, including cell phones.
2. In addition, specific emergency services can be contacted directly: 15 for SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente), which deals with emergency medical care, and 18 for the fire service (Sapeurs-Pompiers), which provides emergency medical care together with the fire services.
Emergency medical care
When you call the emergency number, highly trained operators will assess the situation and dispatch the appropriate medical response team.
The team may consist of paramedics, emergency physicians, and ambulances equipped with the necessary medical equipment and medicines.
Emergency departments (urgent care units)
In case of serious emergencies, such as an injury or life-threatening condition, it is recommended that you go directly to the nearest emergency room (urgent care).
Emergency departments of hospitals are equipped to provide care for a wide range of emergencies and have qualified staff working around the clock and seven days a week.
Medical dispatch centers (SAMU)
SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente) is a medical dispatch center responsible for coordinating emergency medical care.
SAMU dispatches ambulances, paramedics and specialized mobile intensive care units (SMURs) to provide emergency medical care on the spot and transport patients to the appropriate medical facility.
Universal access to emergency medical care
Emergency medical care in France is provided to all persons, regardless of their nationality or insurance coverage.
French law guarantees access to emergency medical services to ensure that anyone in need of medical care is treated immediately.
Prioritization system
Emergency departments in hospitals use the system to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition.
Patients with life-threatening or critical conditions receive immediate care, while patients with less severe conditions may need more time to wait.
Medical helicopter service
France has a well-developed service of medical helicopters (Hélicoptères du SAMU), which can be used for emergency medical transportation in remote or inaccessible areas.
These helicopters are equipped with medical personnel and equipment to provide advanced medical care during transportation.
Visa for the birth of a child
France does not offer a special visa for childbirth. However, if the expectant mother is legally present in France, she can give birth in a French hospital or maternity hospital.
French citizenship for a child
The principle of "jus soli" does not automatically apply in France, i.e., birth on French soil does not automatically grant a child French citizenship.
However, there are exceptions. If at least one of the parents has been legally residing in France for at least five years, a child born in France may be eligible for French citizenship.
In addition, if a child has been residing in France continuously for at least five years after birth, he or she can apply for French citizenship through the naturalization procedure.
Citizenship of parents / residence permit
The birth of a child in France does not automatically entitle the parents to French citizenship or residence permit.
PLEASE NOTE, depending on the circumstances, parents may be eligible to apply for a residence permit on the basis of family reunification or other applicable immigration rules.
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