How to Join the French Healthcare System
Originally posted on & updated on 11th October, 2025
We’ve previously written about how families and seniors can get started with the CPAM registration process. So with winter around the corner, we wanted to revisit this essential part for any family or person arriving to live and settle in France.
France is fortunate to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world. If you are moving permanently with your family or are a senior retiring in France, the steps below will explain how to join the French healthcare system.
How to Join the French Healthcare System
In order to register with your local social security office ( CPAM for Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladies), you will be required to submit certain documents:
- An S1 form: this form will be given to you by the Department of Health and Social Security of your country.
- A birth certificate (translated into French)
- A household or utility bill in your name to prove your address in France
- Copy of your passport (must have a valid date)
- Your bank details (a RIB) for reimbursements
Once your application has been approved, you will be given a temporary number. A few weeks later, you will receive an application for a Carte Vitale (a health ID card that includes your photo and personal number and is presented to the doctor or pharmacy at every visit).
Your registration will start on the date of your original application. In order to benefit from full coverage, it is important to designate a doctor who will look after you and refer you to any specialists if needed.
How Does the CPAM Work?
In general terms, CPAM pays 70% of your costs, while the remaining 30% is covered by a top-up health insurance or by yourself if you choose not to subscribe to one, but most families opt for one. The reimbursements are sent automatically to your account upon presentation of your “carte vitale”: it triggers a message to CPAM, and once their payment has been sent, they also send a message to your top-up insurance so that they can settle their part of the reimbursement. This is all automatic and should involve very little paperwork, especially if you are using their online platform called Ameli.
For information or a quotation for health insurance, simply fill out the online form to receive a personalised quote in English in 24 hours.
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