Many people living in France are unaware that the French healthcare system offers a free preventative health check through Assurance Maladie.
For English speakers navigating healthcare in France, this can be one of the most valuable — and least understood — services available through CPAM.
Known as the Examen de Prévention en Santé (EPS), this free health assessment is designed to help identify medical issues early, encourage preventative care, and improve long-term health outcomes.
In this guide, we explain:
- what the free health check in France includes
- who is eligible
- how the French preventative healthcare system works
- how to book an appointment through CPAM
- what English-speaking residents in France should know before attending.
What Is the Free Health Check in France?
The Examen de Prévention en Santé (EPS) is a preventative health examination offered through the French public healthcare system.
The appointments take place in dedicated CPAM health examination centres called:
Centres d’Examens de Santé.
Unlike a standard GP appointment, the EPS focuses on prevention and overall health screening rather than treating a specific illness.
The purpose is to:
- detect health problems early
- identify risk factors
- encourage regular screening
- provide personalised prevention advice
- improve access to healthcare services in France
This reflects the strong emphasis France places on preventative healthcare.
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Who Can Access the French Preventative Health Check?
In general, the EPS is available to people aged 16 and over who are registered with the French healthcare system.
This may include:
- employees
- self-employed residents
- students
- retirees
- jobseekers
- dependants covered under Assurance Maladie
Some groups may receive priority access, particularly people who:
- do not regularly see a doctor
- have delayed medical care
- live with chronic health risks
- are in financially or socially vulnerable situations
Eligibility can vary slightly depending on your local CPAM centre.
Is the Health Check Really Free?
Yes — for eligible patients, the examination is fully covered by the French healthcare system.
In most cases:
- there is no upfront payment
- no consultation fee
- no need for additional private insurance (mutuelle)
You may be asked to provide:
- your Carte Vitale
- proof of healthcare rights (attestation de droits)
- identification
What Happens During the Health Check?
The appointment usually lasts between two and three hours and is tailored to your:
- age
- medical history
- lifestyle
- personal risk factors
The health examination may include:
Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Checks
Basic cardiovascular screening may include:
- blood pressure
- heart rate
- weight and BMI measurements
Blood and Urine Tests
Depending on your situation, tests may screen for:
- diabetes
- cholesterol
- kidney function
- metabolic issues
Vision and Hearing Tests
Many CPAM health centres include basic:
- eyesight screening
- hearing assessments
Dental Screening
Some centres also provide oral health checks.
Lifestyle and Mental Health Discussions
The appointment may include discussions around:
- nutrition
- smoking
- alcohol consumption
- physical activity
- stress
- sleep
- mental wellbeing
The goal is not only to detect illness but also to improve long-term preventative health.
What Happens After the Appointment?
After the examination:
- results are reviewed with a healthcare professional
- you may receive recommendations for follow-up care
- your GP (médecin traitant) can receive information if necessary
If any issues are identified, the centre may recommend:
- further medical tests
- specialist appointments
- preventative screening
- lifestyle changes
This is one reason the EPS is considered valuable within the French healthcare system — it focuses on prevention rather than waiting until symptoms become serious.
How Often Can You Have a Health Check in France?
Many people refer to this service as the “free health check every five years.”
In reality, there is no official universal five-year entitlement rule applied automatically across France.
However, preventative health assessments are commonly repeated periodically depending on:
- age
- medical history
- health risks
- recommendations from healthcare professionals
Your local CPAM centre can provide guidance based on your personal situation
How to Book a Free Health Check Through CPAM
Appointments are generally arranged through your local:
Centre d’Examens de Santé.
Depending on your area, you may be able to:
- contact the centre directly
- complete an online request
- receive an invitation from Assurance Maladie
For many English speakers in France, the process can feel difficult because:
- information is often only available in French
- healthcare terminology can be confusing
- forms and administration may be unfamiliar
- appointment systems vary between regions
Understanding Preventative Healthcare in France
France has increasingly focused on prevention within its healthcare strategy.
Alongside the EPS, the government has introduced:
Mon Bilan Prévention
This programme offers prevention consultations at key ages:
- 18–25
- 45–50
- 60–65
- 70–75
These appointments focus on:
- lifestyle
- mental health
- healthy ageing
- prevention strategies
Both programmes reflect the broader French approach to preventative healthcare and public health screening.
Why English Speakers Often Miss Important Healthcare Benefits in France
Many expats and international residents never discover services they are entitled to because French healthcare information can be:
- difficult to translate accurately
- highly administrative
- spread across multiple government websites
- hard to understand without guidance
As a result, many people only learn about these benefits years after arriving in France.
Understanding the French healthcare system goes far beyond simply obtaining a Carte Vitale. It also means understanding:
- prevention programmes
- reimbursements
- healthcare rights
- referrals
- screening services
- administrative processes
How Hello Santé Helps English Speakers Navigate Healthcare in France
At Hello Santé, we help English speakers understand and navigate the French healthcare system in plain English.
We provide guidance on:
- CPAM and Assurance Maladie
- Carte Vitale applications
- reimbursements and paperwork
- healthcare appointments
- preventative healthcare services
- understanding your healthcare rights in France
Our aim is to make French healthcare simpler, clearer, and less stressful.
Contact:
