French Health System - Health Care in France

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the French Health System (l'assurance maladie).

The issue of health cover is a critical one for those seeking to relocate to France.

Whilst the position of retired persons from the EEA is clear and favourable, in recent years there has been huge controversy over health cover for early retirees, with France contesting the right of non-active persons under retirement age the right to State health cover.

The system has also been under substantial financial pressure, as a result of which patients are having to pick up a higher percentage of the bill.

In this guide we review the rights of different groups of persons to health cover in France - pensioners, early retirees, posted workers, self-employed, and those with a long-term disability.

We also set out the payments system and the process of reimbursement of costs, including the application process and operation of your French health card and voluntary 'top-up' health insurance policies.

The mechanics of receiving medical treatment from doctors, dentists, and hospitals is also considered.

1. Overview of French Health System
2. Registering with the French Health System
3. Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA)
4. Voluntary (Top-Up) Health Insurance
5. Your French Health Card
6. Your French Family Doctor
7. Non-Reimbursable Health Charges
8. Treatment of Long Term Illness
9. Receiving Health Care
10. Dental Treatment in France
11. Opticians & Ophthalmic Treatment
12. Breast Screening
13. Health Complaints System