Health Insurance in France
The French health insurance system includes basic health insurance (covered by Assurance Maladie) and optional complementary health insurance (often called mutuelle), offered by private organizations or by Assurance Maladie.
The Welcome Desk Paris supports international students and researchers with all procedures related to health insurance: registration, reimbursement, Carte Vitale, complementary insurance, and special cases.
On this page, you’ll find clear and simple practical guides to understand your rights and complete your procedures.
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
- Enrollment certificate or student card (with start date of enrollment)
- Student visa and entry date in France
- Residence permit or online validation of the visa
- RIB/IBAN of a French bank account
- Birth certificate translated into French by a sworn translator
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.
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.
Special Cases
- European or Quebec students: with a EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or RAMQ certificate, no registration needed.
- Working students: your employer can handle your registration.
- Short stays (<< 3 months): no registration → get private health insurance.
EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (CEAM)
Why is it useful?
The CEAM is free and allows you to access healthcare in France under the same conditions as French insured persons.
⚠️ It doesn’t directly cover your costs: you pay upfront, then get reimbursed at French rates.
How to use the CEAM ?
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 For reimbursement: send to your CPAM (health insurance fund): copy of EHIC, ID, student/researcher card, French RIB, proof of address, treatment forms.
4️⃣ Receive your reimbursement directly into your French bank account.
💡 Tip: a complementary health insurance (mutuelle) can cover costs not reimbursed by Assurance Maladie.
UNIVERSAL HEALTH PROTECTION (PUMA)
What is PUMA?
The Universal Health Protection (PUMA) allows you to access healthcare in France and be reimbursed for your medical expenses.
👉 It applies if you work in France (as an employee) or if you reside in France on a stable and regular basis.
With PUMA, you’re covered for illness or maternity throughout your stay in France.
How to register with Assurance Maladie?
1️⃣ Fill in the form: download S1106.
2️⃣ Prepare your documents: passport + residence permit, proof of address, RIB, etc. (see full list in form S1106).
3️⃣ Send your file: by mail to the CPAM of your residence, or online if you live in Paris 👉 cpam75.depotdoc.fr. (except for special cases).
💡 Tip: Once you receive your permanent social security number, create your account on ameli.fr and request your Carte Vitale.
Special Cases
👉 Employee: your employer can submit the application for you.
👉 Researcher, employee with a long-stay visa or residence permit marked Passeport Talent Chercheur or Talent Chercheur: your file is handled only by CPAM Paris, even if you live in another city.
After Registration
🎉 Once affiliated with PUMA:
✔️ You’ll get a provisional, then a permanent social security number.
✔️ Create your AMELI account on ameli.fr.
✔️ You can request your Carte Vitale on ameli.fr.
✔️ At each medical consultation, present your card or ask for a treatment form (feuille de soins) to be reimbursed directly into your French bank account (remember to send your treatment forms to your local CPAM).
💡 Tip: subscribing to a complementary health insurance (mutuelle) helps cover costs not reimbursed by Assurance Maladie.
