🩺 Moving to France? Let’s talk… health

The French healthcare system is often ranked among the best in the world — but for newcomers, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first 🌀

Here are 4 key steps to get started:

1️⃣ Register with the French Social Security (Assurance Maladie)
As soon as you are settled in France, either your employer or you can initiate your affiliation with the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie).
This is the starting point for obtaining your personal Social Security number — essential for any medical coverage.
👉 Don’t forget to register your spouse and children, even if they’re not working. Each person receives their own number from age 16.

2️⃣ Get your Carte Vitale
Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive your Carte Vitale. This is your health ID card, to be presented at each medical appointment or when picking up prescriptions. It contains your administrative information and helps speed up reimbursements.
💡 Note: this card is not used for payment — only for identification.

3️⃣ Subscribe to a complementary health insurance (Mutuelle)
The public healthcare system covers part of your medical expenses. A mutuelle covers the remaining costs, depending on your coverage plan.
Most mutuelles are now automatically connected to the CPAM, which simplifies the reimbursement process.
👉 If not, make sure to activate NOEMIE teletransmission to avoid sending your claims manually.

4️⃣ Book a medical appointment
In France, appointments are usually made by phone or online. Platforms like Doctolib let you search for practitioners and book directly in just a few clicks.
⚠️ Be aware: there is a general shortage of doctors across France — don’t wait until the last minute to book your appointment!

📌 These steps can take a bit of time, but once everything is in place, you’ll have fast, reliable, and affordable access to healthcare.

Need guidance through the process? That’s exactly what Expat Services in Paris offers.