Embarking on a journey to understand and navigate the French healthcare system is crucial for residents and newcomers alike. France, known for its comprehensive and accessible healthcare, offers a diverse range of medical services and coverage. In this guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of the system, from accessing public healthcare to understanding insurance options and emergency procedures.
Overview of Healthcare in France
The French healthcare system, known as Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa), ensures accessibility to public healthcare for citizens and residents. With a commitment to preventative healthcare, France consistently ranks as one of the top spenders on health within the EU.
Who Can Access Healthcare in France?
By law, all residents in France must have health insurance. This includes both state and private options. Temporary visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can access public healthcare with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For international students and others not eligible for state insurance, private health insurance is necessary.
French Healthcare Costs
Funding for the French healthcare system comes from social security contributions, with employees contributing 7% of their salary, while employers contribute 13%. The government covers a percentage of medical costs, and patients are responsible for the remainder. The amount reimbursed depends on the type of treatment, with low-income and long-term sick patients often receiving full coverage.
French Health Insurance
France operates on an insurance-based healthcare system. State healthcare becomes accessible after three months of residence, and those with lower incomes may apply for complementary coverage called “complémentaire santé solidaire.” Private health insurance, offered by companies like Allianz Care, is required for those not eligible for state insurance.
Registering for French Healthcare
Registering for French healthcare is a straightforward process. Residents can register through local CPAM offices, and employers handle registration for employees. Self-employed individuals can follow special rules outlined on the Cleiss website. Required documents include a passport, proof of residence, proof of address, and proof of income.
Private Healthcare in France
While public healthcare is extensive, private doctors and specialists also play a significant role. Most private practitioners collaborate with the state insurance scheme, allowing patients to access their services through the public system. However, private services may incur additional costs, making supplementary private health insurance desirable for some.
French Doctors and Specialists
French healthcare starts with family or general doctors, who act as primary care physicians. Patients are free to choose their doctor but must register them as their primary physician for full reimbursement. Referrals from primary care doctors are necessary for certain specialists, while others, like gynecologists and pediatricians, can be consulted directly.
Women’s Healthcare in France
Gynecologists in France are accessible through public health insurance, and preventative screenings are available. Contraception is widely available, and abortion is legal within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. The French healthcare system covers most pregnancy costs, including family allowances.
Children’s Healthcare in France
Children in France automatically qualify for healthcare up to age 18, covering pediatric care and dentistry. Compulsory screenings and vaccinations are part of the comprehensive healthcare provided to children.
French Healthcare for Seniors
With a significant portion of the population over 60, France prioritizes senior care. Public healthcare covers most costs for retirees, but private insurance offers more extensive coverage. Financial support, such as the personalized autonomy allowance (APA), assists older individuals with various expenses related to home care and support.
French Dentists
Patients in France have the freedom to choose any dentist, and most operate within the public healthcare system. Dental charges are reimbursed at varying rates, and supplementary coverage may be necessary for procedures not covered by the state system.
Hospitals in France
France has both state-run hospitals (hôpitaux) and privately-run clinics (cliniques). Public healthcare covers around 80% of hospital charges, and top-up insurance can be beneficial for covering board and lodging costs during a hospital stay.
Health Centers and Clinics
Health professionals, including doctors and dentists, operate in health centers across France. These centers provide accessible healthcare services, and there are specialized centers for sexual health.
French Pharmacies
With over 20,000 pharmacies across the country, obtaining prescribed medications is convenient. Patients typically pay a portion of the medication cost, and reimbursement percentages vary based on public healthcare coverage.
Mental Healthcare in France
State mental healthcare is provided through psychological medical centers (CMP). Referral from a doctor is usually required, and reimbursement rates for private treatment depend on the type of insurance coverage.
Other Forms of Healthcare in France
France recognizes alternative and complementary medicine, including homeopathy, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Public health insurance may cover certain treatments if performed by qualified professionals.
Emergency Procedures
In emergencies, immediate medical assistance is available at hospital emergency rooms (urgences). The pan-European emergency number is 112, and France has specific emergency numbers for medical aid (15), fire brigade (18), police (17), and sea and lake emergencies (112).