Public Services in France

Healthcare Services in France
- 1. Overview
- 2. Registration
- 3. Couverture Maladie Universelle (CMU)
- 4. Voluntary Health Insurance
- 5. Health Card (Carte Vitale)
- 6. Family Doctor (Medecin Traitent)
- 7. Non-Reimbursable Charges
- 8. Long term / Major Illness
- 9. Receiving Treatment
- 10. Dental Treatment
- 11. Opticians & Opthalmic Treatment
- 12. Breast Screening
- 13. Complaints System

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2. Registering with the Health Service in France

2.1. E106 Health Cover
2.2. Business Owners
2.3. Working in UK & Living in France
2.4. Persons of Retirement Age
2.5. Early Retirees
2.6. Visitors and Tourists
2.7. French European Health Insurance Card

2.7. French European Health Insurance Card

If you have relocated permanently to France and travel elsewhere within the EEA, then you will need to apply for a ECIC (la carte européenne d'assurance maladie) from your local Caisse. The period of validity of the French ECIC is one year.

You will only be entitled to an ECIC if you are registered in the French State health insurance system through employment, a business, or an E121 as a retired person. Those under State retirement age, and 'inactive', will need to take out private health insurance when visiting another EU country, including their home country.

If you are eligible for a ECIC you will need a card for everyone who is travelling with you, including children under the age of 16 years.

If you are too late in applying for a ECIC before you travel, you may be able to get a certificate from your local Caisse giving you three months cover.

Even if your to not get a certificate, and you later seek reimbursement of health costs incurred abroad, take your receipts to your Caisse and you may still be able to obtain reimbursement, on the same basis as if you were in France!

If you are travelling outside the EEA area then you should check with your local Caisse on any reciprocal arrangements that France may have with the country you are proposing to visit.

Even though no agreement may have been signed, you may still be able to receive reimbursement of some of your medical costs. Make sure you keep all the bills.

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