Health insurance of a foreigner in France (2024)

Verified 15 February 2021 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Rights differ if you are a citizen of a European Economic Area (EEA) countries or another country. The applicable rules and the steps to be taken depend on your status (employee, retired, student...).

European

If you come to study in France, you are considered as temporary stay and must be a member of the health insurance scheme of your country of origin.

However, before you leave, you must check that this plan will cover your medical expenses for the entire duration of your stay in France. If this is the case, you can use your European Health Insurance Card in France.

Check with your insurance organization and French health insurance well before you leave.

If you are unemployed, authorized to transfer your residence to FranceHowever, you remain insured for the time being under the unemployment insurance scheme in your country.

In order to be reimbursed for your health expenses in France, you must ask for the european health insurance card with your affiliate organization.

If you are not compensated by your country of origin, you can benefit from the universal health protection (Puma) in the event that you are resident in France in a stable and regular manner.

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If you are an expatriate

If you come to work in France, as an employee or self-employed, you are insured in France (with exceptions, for example if you are a civil servant). You are no longer insured in your country of origin and must contribute to the French social security system.

Before leaving for France, you must obtain the E 104 form from your affiliate organization. This form concerns the aggregation of periods of insurance, employment or residence (sickness, maternity, paternity). It must be given to your French health insurance fund.

This form summarizes the periods of insurance completed in your previous country of employment. These periods are taken into account as French insurance periods for the opening of your rights to sickness insurance benefits in France.

Your family members are also covered in France, whether they live there or not. If they continue to reside in your country of origin, you must apply for the document S1 (attestation for the registration of the members of the family of the employed or self-employed person) to your health insurance fund in France. You must then hand it over to the competent health insurance organization abroad, so that your family members can be registered.

If you're detached

If you are temporarily posted by your employer (up to 24 months, unless derogated) to France, you continue to be covered by the social security scheme of your country of origin.

Before you can claim reimbursem*nt for your medical treatment in France, you must apply for the S1 document. You should ask the health insurance organization that you report to in your home country. It allows registration for health insurance coverage. Once in France, it must be handed over to the health insurance fund of your home.

You will then benefit from the coverage of your health expenses like a French social insured. In addition, you will continue to benefit from your health insurance for all the care received in your country of origin.

Your family members who accompany you to France can also benefit, under certain conditions, from the reimbursem*nt of the care provided to them in France.

If you are a public servant

If you are an official of another European country, sent to France (e.g. diplomatic staff), you remain subject to the social protection system of the country to which your administration is subject.

In order to receive reimbursem*nt for your medical treatment in France, you must apply to your insurance organization for the S1 document (registration for health insurance coverage). You must then present this document to the competent health insurance fund in France.

If you are retired from another European country and come to live your retirement in France, you can transfer your health insurance rights there.

To do this, you must apply to the fund of the country in which your pension is due for the S1 document (registration for health insurance coverage). This fund must then send it to your health insurance fund in France.

This document allows your attachment to the French social security system.

Your family members accompanying you to France must also apply for the above-mentioned S1 document.

Other country

You must register on the site dedicated to the reception of students, in order to benefit from the coverage of your health expenses upon your arrival in France.

Health insurance: registration of a foreigner student

There is no provision in an international agreement allowing you to benefit from the services of your country of origin in France.

If you are not compensated by your country of origin, you can benefit from the universal health protection (Puma) in the event that you are resident in France in a stable and regular manner.

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If you are an expatriate

You benefit from the universal health protection (Puma) if you work in France in a stable and regular manner.

Your beneficiaries (child, spouse) can also benefit from the Puma.

If your country of origin has signed a bilateral social security agreement with France, this makes it easier for you to take care of yourself in France.

If you're detached

It's up to your employer to take the steps. It keeps you in the diet of your country.

If your country of origin has signed a bilateral social security agreement with France, this makes it easier for you to take care of yourself in France.

If you are a public servant

If you are sent by your administration to an embassy, consulate or other official body, you remain covered by your country's social security.

You benefit from the universal health protection (Puma) if you live in France in a stable and regular manner.

FAQ

  • What is Universal Health Protection (UHC)?

As a seasoned expert in international mobility and social security systems, I've delved deep into the complexities of regulations and protocols governing the rights and entitlements of individuals moving between countries, particularly within the European Economic Area (EEA). My expertise spans various aspects of this domain, from understanding the intricacies of health insurance coverage for students studying abroad to navigating the protocols for expatriates and public servants relocating to different countries within the EU.

In the realm of social security coordination, I'm intimately familiar with regulations like Regulation No 883/2004 and Regulation No 987/2009, which outline the principles and mechanisms for harmonizing social security systems across European countries. These regulations serve as the backbone for ensuring that individuals moving within the EU maintain their social security rights and benefits.

Regarding specific scenarios outlined in the provided article:

  1. Students Studying Abroad: I understand the nuances of health insurance coverage for students relocating to France for their studies. This includes being aware that students are typically considered temporary residents and must ensure coverage either through their home country's health insurance scheme or by obtaining the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before departure.

  2. Expatriates and Workers: For individuals relocating to France for employment purposes, whether as employees or self-employed individuals, I'm well-versed in the process of transitioning from their home country's social security system to the French system. This involves obtaining relevant documents such as the E 104 form and ensuring that contributions are made to the French social security system.

  3. Detached Workers: I understand the distinction between expatriates and detached workers, particularly regarding the duration of their stay in France and the implications for their social security coverage. I'm aware that detached workers typically remain covered by their home country's social security system for a limited period, and specific documents such as the S1 form are required for healthcare reimbursem*nt in France.

  4. Public Servants: I'm knowledgeable about the unique considerations for public servants, including diplomats and other officials, who are sent to work in France. I understand that these individuals often remain covered by their home country's social security system, and documents such as the S1 form are necessary for accessing healthcare services in France.

Additionally, I'm well-acquainted with resources and organizations such as the Center for European and International Social Security Liaison (Cleiss) and the National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam), which play crucial roles in facilitating social security coordination and providing support to individuals navigating these systems.

In summary, my expertise in international mobility and social security coordination extends to a comprehensive understanding of regulations, processes, and resources involved in ensuring seamless transitions and access to healthcare for individuals moving within the European Union, particularly to France.

Health insurance of a foreigner in France (2024)

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