Anyone living in France is entitled to coverage of their healthcare expenses.

But in order to receive reimbursements, registration with the public healthcare system ("Sécurité Sociale") is mandatory. This procedure is free of charge and can be done online.

For your peace of mind, we strongly recommend you complete healthcare formalities at the earliest opportunity, whatever your health status.



 
European Students
Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This card is free and issued by your national health insurance provider. It will give you access to necessary health care during a temporary stay.

If your EHIC does not cover the entire duration of your stay in France, you will have to register with the French social security system (see the International Students tab).

Learn more about the EHI Card! 
 
International Students

International students must register with the social security system upon arrival in France.

The registration process is straightforward; you will need to log in to the dedicated platform, submit your documentation and create your "personal area".
Note that you can register with a foreign bank account. Also, your documents do not have to be in French, other european language will be fine.

This affiliation will first provide you with a temporary health insurance number and covers basic health insurance costs from the date of registration at the University.

It provides the same rights as a permanent number; your health expenses will be reimbursed at the applicable rate. You will then receive a carte vitale with a permanent social security number. 

FAQs about the French Health System

 
Does the University provide medical services?
  • Yes, all our students can benefit from free medical and social services.
  • Please visit the University's dedicated webpage and contact us if you have questions or need help with booking an appointment with our listed health care professionals. 
How much does a visit to a General Practitioner cost?
  • A visit to a GP costs €25.
What does "secteur 1" and "secteur 2" mean?
  • Secteur 1 GPs and specialised doctors adhere to the official fee schedule set by the French government. They have agreed to charge their patients the standard rates established by the national healthcare system (Sécurité Sociale). Patients will be reimbursed at a higher rate by the public healthcare system.
  • GPs in Secteur 2 have the freedom to set their own consultation fees, which can be higher than the standard rates established by the government. Patients who choose GP Secteur 2 doctors will still receive partial reimbursement from the national health insurance system, but the patient's out-of-pocket expenses are generally higher compared to Secteur 1.
How can I make an appointment with a specialist?
  • The easiest way to book a medical appointment is to go through Doctolib, an online booking platform.
  • You will be able to access a list of healthcare practitioners and select the one that matches your needs in terms of location, pricing ("sans dépassement d'honoraires") and languages spoken.
What is the PASS Santé, prévention, contraception?
  • This PASS is offered by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region to all young people under 26.
  • Presented in the form of a chequebook, the Pass includes 9 coupons of an approximate value of 250€ allowing you to consult a doctor, carry out biological analyses and purchase contraceptive methods for one year.
  • There is no need to present the Carte vitale; only the corresponding coupon is given to the doctor, pharmacist or laboratory.