Navigating the French healthcare system as a self-employed worker can feel overwhelming — especially for expats. L’Assurance Maladie has released a comprehensive guide designed specifically for independent workers:
“Travailleurs indépendants : à vos côtés pour votre santé.”
This guide explains your rights, key administrative steps, and the support available to protect both your health and your business.
What’s Inside the New Guide?
The document is divided into three major sections to help independent workers navigate every stage of their healthcare journey.
1️⃣ Your Health & Your Activity on a Daily Basis
This section explains how self-employed workers in France can access healthcare and look after their health while running a business.
It covers:
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Access to medical care, including reimbursement for doctor consultations, medications, and hospital treatment — just like salaried workers.
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Preventive healthcare, such as health check-ups, screenings, and recommended vaccinations, as well as support like reimbursement for nicotine replacement therapies.
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Medical follow-up for children, with scheduled health appointments throughout their growth, including vaccinations, routine check-ups, and dental care.
It’s a practical overview of the essential steps that help you stay covered, healthy, and focused on your activity day to day.
2️⃣ Protecting Your Activity Through Life’s Key Moments
Because illness, family changes, or health issues can directly impact your ability to work, this section focuses on financial protection and continuity of income.
It covers:
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Sick leave and daily allowances, which may be paid if you need to stop working due to illness.
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Maternity, paternity, and parental leave, with possible financial support during time away from your business.
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Disability, including the possibility of a disability pension if your health prevents you from continuing to work.
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Workplace accidents or occupational illnesses, with the option to strengthen your protection through voluntary insurance (AVAT).
Many self-employed workers are unaware that these forms of support exist — this section clearly explains what may be available to you.
3️⃣ Personalized Support When You Face Difficulties
This final section focuses on what happens when things become more complex — administratively, financially, or medically.
It provides guidance for:
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Administrative difficulties or problems accessing care, with support available through the Assurance Maladie social services and the Mission accompagnement santé.
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Financial or economic fragility, where exceptional financial assistance may be available under certain conditions to help with unexpected health-related costs.
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Coordinated support through the “Help!” scheme, which brings together Urssaf, CPAM, CAF, and pension services to offer fast, personalised assistance for self-employed workers facing financial, medical, family, or social difficulties.
This section reassures independent workers that they are not alone — and that support exists when navigating challenging situations.
New Video-Based Medical Checks
Since December 2025, certain sick-leave verification checks can now be done via videoconference. This change helps speed up the process and reduces unnecessary in-person appointments.
Five Essential Steps Recommended by Assurance Maladie
To stay fully protected and ensure smooth access to care, independent workers should:
Update your Carte Vitale regularly
Activate your Ameli account
Declare your médecin traitant (GP)
Take out complementary health insurance (mutuelle)
Consider voluntary AT/MP insurance for work-related accidents or illnesses
Following these steps helps avoid delays, refusals, and administrative headaches.
Useful Resources
Help! — Support for independent workers facing difficulties
Ameli.fr — Resources for self-employed workers
Need Help?
If you’re an expat or self-employed in France and need guidance navigating your Ameli account, Carte Vitale, or healthcare paperwork, Hello Santé can assist — in clear, friendly English.
