Discover how the system works in France
Access to quality healthcare has always been a priority in France and all residents benefit from the national system. The entire working population contributes to a healthcare fund – the best well-known being the Sécurité Sociale. Certain professions or people working under specific regimes like independent workers (Régime Social des Independents) or agricultural workers (MSA) contribute to funds that are dedicated to them. The system offers an initial level of cover for routine healthcare, paramedical care, pharmaceutical expenses, medical equipment and hospitalization. While the cost of public healthcare in France is reasonable, these services are often completed by private health insurance, known as a “mutuelle” to guarantee total reimbursement of all healthcare expenses.
Visiting a doctor in France
Treating Doctor
Your treating doctor is the key to your health needs (beyond emergencies) in France. You have to register the name of your treating doctor with a health insurance fund (Caisse d’assurance maladie) and if you need to see a specialist, you have to have a referral from your treating doctor to get reimbursed.
GPs
General practitioners are all treating doctors in France and can refer you to a specialist if necessary. Always keep the referral note because without it, you will not be fully reimbursed. Most doctors receive patients during the week from Monday to Friday, 8pm-12am and 2pm-6pm. The majority of doctors offer consultations by appointment. You should count between €25 and €30 for a consultation with a GP by appointment – although prices can be higher – particularly in Paris -according to the type and time of visit (home, emergency, at the weekend…).
Specialist Doctors
Some specialists offer consultations in the private and public sector. The average cost of a consultation is €43 but prices vary greatly because in the private sector, specialists are free to set their own fees. If you think you may need to consult a private specialist, we strongly recommend you take out private health insurance.
Being admitted to hospital in France
All French hospitals, both public and private, are open to everyone. The Sécurité Sociale reimburses up to 80% of the cost for medical hospitalization and up to 100% for surgery. The rest is paid for by your private health insurance or “mutuelle”. In case of emergency: dial 15 for the SAMU (Service d’Aide Médicale Urgente).
Buying medication in France
Some medication can be purchased without a prescription but will not be reimbursed by the social security system or your private health insurance. Also, certain prescribed drugs are not always fully reimbursed. A franchise of 50 centimes is applied to each packet of medicine bought.
