Navigating a new healthcare system is daunting at the best of times—but when you’re living with a serious or chronic health condition, it can feel especially overwhelming. The good news? France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, and with the right support, you can get the care you need.
First Things First: Prioritise Your Health Coverage
The very first step after arriving in France is to begin the process of registering for public healthcare—even if you’re not working. Through PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie), most residents are eligible for coverage based on residence alone.
If you have a serious condition, it’s especially important to start this process as soon as possible. You’ll need:
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill or rental contract)
- Long-stay visa or residency card (Titre de séjour)
- Birth certificate (and possibly a translation)
- Bank details (RIB)
Once approved, you’ll be issued a social security number, and eventually your Carte Vitale—the green card used to access healthcare services and reimbursements.
Need help with this paperwork? At Hello Santé, we can walk you through the entire application or do it for you.
Apply for a Top-Up Insurance (Mutuelle)
Even with public coverage, the French system doesn’t reimburse 100% of most healthcare costs. That’s where a mutuelle comes in. These private top-up policies cover the remaining portion and can be vital if you require frequent consultations, prescriptions, or hospital stays.
When applying, make sure to disclose your condition and choose a policy that offers strong coverage for specialist visits, lab tests, and treatments relevant to your health.
Find a GP (Médecin Traitant) You Trust
As soon as you’re in the system, find a GP (General Practitioner) and declare them as your médecin traitant. This doctor becomes your main point of contact for:
- Coordinating your care
- Referring you to specialists
- Managing prescriptions
- Creating medical files needed for long-term treatment plans
Choose someone you’re comfortable with—especially if language is a barrier. We can help you prepare for appointments or explain your medical history clearly.
Request an ALD (Affection de Longue Durée)
If your condition is serious or chronic—like cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disease, or heart conditions—you may qualify for the ALD status (Affection de Longue Durée). This gives you 100% reimbursement for treatment and care related to that specific illness.
Your doctor will initiate the request, and it must be approved by the health authority (CPAM). ALD can make a huge difference to your healthcare costs and treatment access.
Bring Your Medical History with You
Before you leave your home country, request:
- A full medical summary from your doctor or specialist
- Lab results, scan reports, treatment plans
- Medication lists and dosages
- Ideally, these should be translated—or we can help you understand and explain them to your new doctor.
Keeping a printed folder and digital copies can be a lifesaver at early appointments.
What We Can Do at Hello Santé
We understand that adjusting to a new country is hard enough without worrying about your health. That’s why we’re here to support you with:
- Health insurance registration (CPAM, Carte Vitale, etc.)
- Mutuelle guidance and selection
- Appointment booking and preparation support
- Clear explanations of medical paperwork and prescriptions
- Help with ALD applications and long-term care plans
Whether you need a friendly voice on the end of the line, someone to explain a confusing letter, or support dealing with the administration—you’re not alone.
In Summary
Moving to France with a pre-existing health condition might feel like a huge leap—but with the right support, you can land on your feet. The French healthcare system is designed to take care of its residents—and Hello Santé is here to help you find your place in it with confidence, compassion, and clarity.
Need help getting started?
👉 Book a consultation with us – we’d be happy to help.