What is the PUMA System?
Originally posted on & updated on 7th April, 2025
The PUMA system (Protection Universelle Maladie) was introduced in 2016, it was created to simplify access to health care and avoid living in France with no health cover. This measure is also useful for the self-employed who want to enrol with the health care system and want to stop their activity. This means that they are able to continue their health cover via the PUMA system.
What Does it change for an Early Retiree?
For early retirees who can’t get cover using an S1 form, the access to health is based on residency in France. So if you have been living in France for more than three months and you can prove this, you can apply for the PUMA with the CPAM.
You will need to provide the following documents:
- CERFA form the social security will ask you to fill in
- Passport
- Birth certificate translated in French
- Proof of residence in France for more than 3 month via a household bill
- Your Bank Details or RIB
- A Declaration de ‘médecin traitant’ (your GP)
You will be expected to pay into the system and the amount will be means tested, or if you prefer based on your income. CPAM will deliver your ‘Carte Vitale’, and you will be entitled to enjoy and claim some of the best health care in Europe, if not the world.
For retirees and seniors arriving with an S1 form, there will be nothing to pay as your healthcare will be paid for by the UK health authorities, until we hear other wise. Fill out out our form online to apply for a quote for a top-up health insurance, you will receive a quote in English, by email, usually within 24 hours.
While you wait to receive your quote by email, learn about our other insurance services; for example for car, home and contents or cats and dogs.
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