YOUR HEALTH COVERAGE – STUDENTS
Are you starting or continuing your studies in France? To be covered during your studies, you must register with Assurance Maladie. It’s free, 100% online, and essential to get your medical care reimbursed.
How to register with Assurance Maladie (CPAM)?
1️⃣ Online registration: Go to etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr (site available in FR / EN / ES, with guides in Arabic and Mandarin).
2️⃣ Upload your supporting documents (legible) online :
- Passport or ID card
- Proof of enrollment or student ID (including the course start date)
- Visa and proof of entry date into France
- Residence permit or VLS-TS online validation certificate
- French bank account details (RIB/IBAN)
- Birth certificate translated into French by a sworn translator in France (To consult the list of sworn translators in Paris, click here)
3️⃣Your certificates : First, you’ll receive a temporary certificate with a provisional number, then a final certificate with your permanent social security number.
💡 Tip : a complementary health insurance (mutuelle) can cover costs not reimbursed by Assurance Maladie.
ℹ️ Please note : Your healthcare coverage will take effect on the date of your final enrollment at a higher education institution and according to your address. If you arrive in France before completing your enrollment, we recommend taking out private insurance for the initial part of your stay.
Creating an Ameli Account & Requesting Your Carte Vitale
1️⃣ Create an Ameli account : Once you receive your permanent social security number, open an account on the Ameli website or app to track your reimbursements.
2️⃣ Request your Carte Vitale via your Ameli account. It’s free, personal, and essential for automatic reimbursements.
Required documents: ID photo and proof of identity.
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (CEAM)
Why is it useful?
The European Health Insurance Card is free of charge and allows you to access healthcare in France under the same conditions as French insured persons.
⚠️ It does not pay for your care directly: you must pay the costs upfront, and you will then be reimbursed at the French statutory rates.
How to use the European Health Insurance Card ?
1️⃣ Before departure: request your EHIC from your health insurance provider (at least 2 weeks in advance).
👉 Didn’t receive it? Request a provisional certificate (valid 3 months).
2️⃣ In France: pay for your care and keep your receipts.
3️⃣ To claim a reimbursement, send the following documents to the CPAM (French health insurance fund) International Relations office : a copy of your EHIC, ID (Passport or ID card), Student card, French bank account details (RIB/IBAN), Proof of residence, Treatment forms (feuilles de soins), Home address abroad.
4️⃣ Receive your reimbursement directly into your French bank account.
💡 Tip : a complementary health insurance (mutuelle) can cover costs not reimbursed by Assurance Maladie.
RAMQ HEALTH INSURANCE CERTIFICATE (Quebec)
Why is it useful?
If you hold a valid RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec) certificate covering the entire duration of your stay, you are exempt from joining the French health insurance system.
⚠️ Just like the EHIC, it does not pay for your care directly: you must pay the costs upfront, and you will then be reimbursed at the French statutory rates.
How to use the RAQM certificate ?
1️⃣ Before departure : request your RAMQ certificate from your social security office.
2️⃣ In France: pay for your care and keep your receipts.
3️⃣ To claim a reimbursement, send the following documents to the CPAM (French health insurance fund) International Relations office : a copy of your RAMQ certificate, ID (Passport or ID card), Student card, French bank account details (RIB/IBAN), Proof of residence, Treatment forms (feuilles de soins), Home address abroad.
4️⃣ Receive your reimbursement directly into your French bank account.
💡 Tip : a complementary health insurance (mutuelle) can cover costs not reimbursed by Assurance Maladie.
OTHER CATEGORIES
- Students who are nationals of a non-EU country but are covered by the social security system of an EU member state may also apply for an EHIC. They can use it during their studies in another EU country, with the exception of Denmark, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
- Working students : Covered by the Assurance Maladie (French health insurance) of their place of residence. Professional coverage is granted from the very first hour worked during the year. The employer can handle the enrollment process.
- Short stays (<3 months): no registration → get private health insurance.
