Living in rural France comes with many charms — peaceful landscapes, charming villages, and excellent bread just down the road. But there is one small challenge many people face sooner or later: getting to the hospital when you need to.
When you live miles from the nearest town and public transport is limited or non-existent, attending medical appointments can feel like a logistical puzzle. This is where the Taxi Conventionné, often called a hospital taxi, becomes an essential part of the French healthcare system.
For many people in the countryside, hospital taxis are not a luxury. They are a practical, reliable, and often reimbursed way to access medical care.
What Is a Taxi Conventionné?
A Taxi Conventionné is a standard taxi that has been officially approved by CPAM (the French health insurance system) to transport patients to medical appointments.
These taxis are authorised to provide medical transport and, when certain conditions are met, the cost of the journey can be reimbursed — sometimes up to 100%.
Hospital taxis can be used for travel to:
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Hospitals
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Clinics
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Specialist appointments
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Ongoing treatments such as dialysis or chemotherapy
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Rehabilitation or physiotherapy sessions
This service is particularly valuable for people living in rural areas who may not be able to drive or safely use public transport.
Who Can Use a Hospital Taxi in France?
You may be eligible for a Taxi Conventionné if medical transport is considered necessary by your doctor.
Common situations include:
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Long-term or chronic conditions (ALD)
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Regular treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis, or radiotherapy
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Reduced mobility or difficulty travelling independently
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Discharge from hospital with ongoing follow-up care
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A series of medical appointments over time
Eligibility is not based on convenience alone. A doctor must confirm that transport by taxi is medically justified.
The Prescription de Transport: What You Need
To qualify for reimbursement, you must have a prescription de transport also known as a bon de transport.
This is a form completed by your GP or hospital doctor stating:
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The type of transport required
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The medical reason
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The duration or frequency, if applicable
Without this prescription, CPAM will not reimburse the journey, even if you use a Taxi Conventionné.
How Much Does a Hospital Taxi Cost?
If you are eligible and have a valid prescription:
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CPAM usually reimburses 65% to 100% of the fare
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Many long-term or serious conditions qualify for 100% coverage
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If you have a mutuelle, it often covers any remaining amount
If you do not have a mutuelle, you may be responsible for the remaining 35%, depending on your situation. Always ask the taxi company or your CPAM office if you are unsure.
How to Book a Taxi Conventionné
The process is straightforward:
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Ask your doctor for a prescription de transport
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Find a Taxi Conventionné in your area (your doctor, pharmacist, or CPAM can often recommend one)
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Book the taxi directly and mention that you have a medical transport prescription
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Bring your Carte Vitale with you on the day of travel
In most cases, the taxi company will handle the paperwork directly with CPAM.
Why Hospital Taxis Matter in Rural France
In rural areas, the nearest hospital can easily be 45 minutes to an hour away — sometimes more. When you are unwell, recovering from surgery, or undergoing regular treatment, driving yourself is not always possible or safe.
Hospital taxis:
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Reduce stress and fatigue
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Ensure access to essential care
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Prevent missed or delayed appointments
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Provide peace of mind for patients and families
For many people, they make the difference between accessing healthcare and postponing it.
In Summary
Hospital taxis in France are an often overlooked but vital part of the healthcare system, especially in rural areas.
If you need regular medical care and travelling is difficult, speak to your doctor about a Taxi Conventionné. With the right prescription, medical transport can be reliable, affordable, and largely reimbursed.
How Hello Santé Can Help
If you are unsure whether you qualify, need help understanding the paperwork, or don’t know how to find a Taxi Conventionné in your area, Hello Santé can support you.
We help English speakers in France navigate medical transport, CPAM processes, and healthcare access — clearly, calmly, and without jargon.
Because sometimes, getting better starts with simply getting there.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hospital Taxis in France
What is a Taxi Conventionné in France?
A Taxi Conventionné is a CPAM-approved taxi authorised to transport patients to medical appointments. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a prescription de transport, your journey can be partially or fully reimbursed by the French healthcare system.
Who can get a hospital taxi in France?
You may be eligible if your doctor considers medical transport necessary. This often applies to people with long-term conditions (ALD), reduced mobility, regular treatments such as chemotherapy or dialysis, or post-hospital discharge care.
Do I need a prescription to use a Taxi Conventionné?
Yes. To receive reimbursement, you must have a prescription de transport issued by a doctor. Without it, CPAM will not cover the cost, even if you use an approved taxi.
Is a hospital taxi free in France?
Hospital taxis are not automatically free. CPAM typically reimburses between 65% and 100% of the fare. Many long-term or serious conditions qualify for full reimbursement. A mutuelle usually covers any remaining amount.
Can I use a hospital taxi if I live in rural France?
Yes. Hospital taxis are particularly useful in rural areas where public transport is limited and hospitals are far away. Distance does not prevent eligibility if transport is medically necessary.
How do I find a Taxi Conventionné near me?
You can:
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Ask your GP, hospital, or pharmacist
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Contact your local CPAM office
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Search online for “Taxi Conventionné + your area”
Doctors and pharmacies often work with specific taxi companies and can recommend reliable services.
Can a family member travel with me in the taxi?
In some cases, yes — especially if a companion is medically required. This must usually be indicated on the prescription de transport. Always confirm with CPAM or the taxi company in advance.
Can I choose my own taxi company?
You can choose any taxi that is CPAM-approved (Taxi Conventionné). Standard taxis without CPAM approval are not reimbursable, even with a prescriptio
What documents do I need on the day?
Bring:
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Your prescription de transport
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Your Carte Vitale
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Any appointment paperwork if requested
Most taxi companies handle the reimbursement process directly with CPAM.
Can Hello Santé help with hospital taxis?
Yes. Hello Santé helps English speakers in France understand eligibility, organise medical transport, and deal with CPAM paperwork — especially if the system feels overwhelming.
