Healthcare in France

World-renowned and ranked number one by the World Health Organisation (WHO), healthcare in France hinges on an intricate public-private combination that’s both efficient and generous. 
 

Nearly 70 percent of locals claim to be happy with the system, and in general, the majority of the populace opts to supplement the state provided insurance coverage with private insurance that covers the cost of creature comforts (like private hospital rooms), dental and eye care. 
 

Expats lucky enough to take advantage of the public system and the associated insurance will be spoiled for life, and those forced to shell out significantly more for private coverage will nonetheless be more than satisfied with the standard of care. 
 

The network of public healthcare facilities in France is comprehensive (includes more than 1000 regional, university, local and general hospitals), and is believed to uphold an exceptionally high standard with a large emphasis placed on primary care.
 

What’s more, the French public system is generally free of the waiting lists associated with the socialised medical systems found in the UK and Canada. Not to mention, expats will find that they have plenty of choice in choosing a doctor or specialist in France.

 

The public health insurance system, known as Sécurité Sociale, provides basic coverage to those who qualify, and is funded by tax contributions from salary deductions. Expats employed in France, those who are self-employed but make the necessary contributions and those who have reached the official retirement age in their home country can take advantage of the system once registered at their local social security office (caisse d'assurance maladie). 
 

The registration process demands you present proof of employment, proof of self-employment or the necessary retirement-related forms (E-106 or E-121), along with your passport and your proof of residence. 
 

The public system covers the cost of about 70 percent of medical bills, and then many locals and foreigners rely on private supplemental insurance to pick-up the remaining 30 percent. 
 

Though, in France, according to the public system, the sicker you are the less you pay. Thus those with chronic illnesses, like diabetes and cancer, will find that the government covers 100 percent of their medical bills, including surgeries, therapies and drugs.
 

Expats utilising the public systems should keep in mind that though the choice of doctor is left up to the patient, going to the same doctor will assure higher compensation from social security. It is also important to remember that a referral must be gained before a specialist is consulted, or the state will lower its lever of contribution. Certain professionals, such as psychiatrists and dentists, are the exceptions to this rule.

 

It is worth noting that for some appointments payment is upfront and are only later are patients reimbursed.
 

Private healthcare is available in France, but it is generally thought that this system provides little advantage in terms of quality of care over the public system. 
 

That said, the majority of healthcare providers in France work in private offices, and run fee-for-service practices; though, the French government plays a very strong role in negotiating doctor’s fees and the costs associated with prescription drugs. Most private physicians accept the state-negotiated fees, but some doctors in the major urban centres and select sub-specialists may extra bill. 
 

As mentioned, even though the public health insurance coverage plans cover at least 70 percent of medical bills, over 80 percent of the French population has some form of private health insurance. 
 

Often, these private insurance coverage plans are supplied by employers, so try and negotiate this as part of your package prior to signing a contract. 
 

Private health insurance can be used to cover the remaining portion of medical bills, and can also be used to pay for extras.
 

Due to the success of the public health insurance system, there is a far fewer number of private care insurance providers in France than in other destinations, like the US.