If you’re planning to spend your retirement in France, you’re not alone. Thousands of British retirees are making the move each year, drawn by sunshine, slower living, and of course — the renowned French healthcare system.
But while healthcare in France is often described as one of the best in the world, getting into the system as a UK retiree can feel daunting. Between forms, acronyms (CPAM, ALD, S1, CMU…), and French paperwork, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know — step by step.
1. Why Healthcare Matters When Retiring in France
France requires all legal residents to have healthcare coverage. That means that as a retiree, you’ll need to make sure you’re properly registered in the system to access reimbursements for doctor’s visits, prescriptions, hospital care, and more.
Without this, you risk paying out of pocket for every single medical expense — and those costs can quickly add up.
2. The S1 Form – Your Golden Ticket (For Most UK Retirees)
For most British retirees, the S1 form is the easiest and fastest way to join the French healthcare system.
- What is it?
The S1 is a certificate of entitlement to healthcare, issued by the UK government. It proves that your healthcare will be funded by the UK, while you live in France. - Who gets it?
You can apply for an S1 if you’re in receipt of a UK State Pension or certain other UK benefits. - Why is it important?
With an S1, you don’t pay French social security contributions for healthcare. Instead, the UK covers the cost, and you access the French system as if you were fully registered.
👉 To apply: Contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services before you move.
💡 Hello Santé Tip: Many new arrivals forget that once they’ve got their S1, they still need to register it with CPAM in France. Without this step, you won’t actually be “in the system.”
3. What If You Don’t Qualify for an S1?
Not everyone is eligible. If you move before reaching pension age, or if you don’t qualify for other reasons, you’ll need to apply to join the French system another way.
- After 3 months of residency, you can apply to CPAM under PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie).
- You’ll need proof of residence (utility bills, rental contract, etc.) and proof of stable, long-term plans in France.
- Contributions may be required depending on your income.
This process can take time, so private health insurance is often recommended for the gap period.
4. Setting Up Your Carte Vitale
The Carte Vitale is your key to the French healthcare system. This little green card links you to CPAM and ensures your reimbursements are processed electronically.
- You’ll get your Carte Vitale after your application is accepted (S1 or PUMA).
- In the meantime, you’ll use paper forms called feuilles de soins to claim reimbursements.
💡 Hello Santé Tip: It’s common for Carte Vitale applications to be delayed or to get lost in paperwork. Keeping copies of everything you send — and following up regularly — saves months of waiting.
5. Reimbursements – How They Really Work
Here’s where things get tricky — and where many retirees get confused.
- Doctor visits: A standard GP visit now costs €30, with CPAM reimbursing around €20.40 (70% of the state-set tariff, minus €1 flat-rate contribution).
- Specialists: Usually reimbursed at 70% of the state-set tariff.
- Prescriptions: Reimbursed at different rates depending on the type of medicine (100%, 65%, 30%, or 15%). The coloured stripe on the medication box shows this.
- Hospital stays: A daily charge (forfait hospitalier) is not reimbursed by CPAM, but some mutuelles will cover it.
That means that even with CPAM, you’ll usually pay something out of pocket — which is where a mutuelle (top-up health insurance) comes in.
6. Choosing a Mutuelle
In France, almost everyone has a mutuelle to cover the “gap” that CPAM doesn’t reimburse.
- Mutuelles vary widely — some cover only basics, others reimburse dental, optical, or specialist care more generously.
- Costs depend on age, health history, and level of coverage.
- Unlike in the UK, dental and optical care can be expensive here without a good mutuelle.
💡 Hello Santé Tip: Don’t just go for the cheapest mutuelle. Think about the care you’re likely to need as you get older — dental, hearing aids, physiotherapy, etc.
7. Little-Known Things Retirees Often Miss
Here are some details many newcomers don’t realise:
- Translations: Most documents you send to CPAM must be in French — official translations may be required.
- Bank account: Reimbursements are sent directly to a French bank account (not your UK one).
- Designating a GP: You must register a médecin traitant (your main doctor) for full reimbursements.
- ALD (Affection Longue Durée): If you have a chronic illness (like diabetes or cancer), you may qualify for 100% reimbursement on related treatments.
8. The Hello Santé Advantage
Getting into the French healthcare system as a retiree is possible — but it’s rarely simple. From language barriers to endless paperwork, it’s easy to feel lost.
At Hello Santé, we help expats just like you:
✅ Register your S1 or PUMA application with CPAM
✅ Apply for your Carte Vitale (and chase it up when it gets stuck!)
✅ Understand reimbursements and mutuelles
✅ Support you with ALD applications and specialist care
💙 No confusion, no frustration — just clear, friendly guidance.
👉 If you’re planning your retirement move to France, or you’ve just arrived and don’t know where to start with healthcare, contact Hello Santé today. Let us take the stress out of the process so you can enjoy your new life in France.
Final Thoughts
Moving to France as a UK retiree is an exciting step — but making sure your healthcare is organised should be at the top of your list. With the right paperwork, a good mutuelle, and a little support, you’ll soon be enjoying the French healthcare system with confidence.
✨ Ready to take the next step? Reach out to Hello Santé — your healthcare concierge in France.