So… you’ve made the big leap. You’ve packed up your life, crossed the Channel (or the Atlantic, or wherever you came from), and now you’re living in France! The cheese is better, the bread is blessed, and the wine is cheaper than water. You’re living the dream — until, inevitably, you need to go to the doctor. That’s when you realise: mon dieu, I have no idea how to get into the French healthcare system.
Take a deep breath. We’ve got you.
Step 1: Make Friends with the CPAM
To access French healthcare, you’ll need to register with CPAM — that’s the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie. It’s basically the mothership of public health insurance. Without it, you’re on your own when it comes to paying for medical care. And let’s just say — even with their famously good system, going full price in France is non idéal.
To apply, you’ll need:
- Proof you live here (rental agreement, utility bill, or carrier pigeon receipt)
- Your passport or ID
- A birth certificate (with official translation if not in French – yes, they’re picky)
- Proof of stable, regular residence in France for 3+ months
- A RIB (French bank account details – yes, that bank account you probably just spent 4 weeks opening)
- Maybe a blood sample and a poem? (Just kidding… sort of.)
This is all for what’s called PUMA (Universal Health Protection), which sounds like a trendy sneaker brand but is actually your ticket to affordable healthcare.
Step 2: The Mythical Carte Vitale
Once you’re in the system, you’ll get your Carte Vitale — the magical green card that makes all the reimbursement magic happen. It’s like your golden ticket to being taken seriously at a French pharmacy.
But beware: it doesn’t arrive quickly. It’s more of a “hurry up and wait” situation. While you wait, you’ll get a temporary number (numéro provisoire) that works in most places. Just keep your paperwork handy — French admin loves paperwork almost as much as it loves a good stamp.
Step 3: Top-Up Insurance (a.k.a. Mutuelle)
Here’s a fun twist: French healthcare is generous, but not totally free. You’ll usually be reimbursed around 70% for GP visits and other basics, which leaves you with a gap. That’s where mutuelle (top-up insurance) comes in.
Think of it like ordering fries and realising the ketchup isn’t included. Do you need it? Technically no. But life’s better with it.
There are lots of mutuelle options out there — some budget, some bougie — and the paperwork can make your eyes water. But don’t panic, we can help you make sense of it all and find one that suits your situation (and your budget).
Step 4: Finding a Doctor Who Doesn’t Panic When You Speak English
This can be… interesting. You might luck out and find a GP who studied in London or watches a lot of Netflix. Or you might get the classic shrug and rapid French combo. Either way, once you’re registered with a doctor (médecin traitant), things run a lot smoother.
And yes, you’ll need to declare that person officially. Because, of course, France loves a form.
Step 5: Ask for Help (Hint: That’s Where We Come In)
The truth is, the French healthcare system is excellent — but entering it as a foreigner can feel like trying to find your way through a vineyard in a fog. In heels. With a baguette under your arm.
That’s why we started Hello Santé — to help English speakers like you navigate all of this without the overwhelm. We can support you with:
- Registering for PUMA/CPAM
- Understanding your paperwork
- Applying for your Carte Vitale
- Choosing a mutuelle
- Booking appointments (with less Google Translate panic)
All with a friendly face and a whole lot of patience.
Final Thought: It’s Worth It
Yes, there are forms. Yes, there are delays. Yes, the admin lady might look at you like you just asked to adopt her dog. But once you’re in, French healthcare is pretty amazing. And once you’ve survived your first CPAM appointment, you’ll feel like a true local — ready to roll your eyes and say “c’est compliqué” with the best of them.
So hang in there. We’ve got your back (and your paperwork).