Studying in France means you must be covered by health insurance throughout your entire stay. The type of coverage you need depends on your nationality and how long you plan to stay.
| Profile | French Social Security (CPAM) | Mutuelle (Top-up) | International Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU / EEA Students | Not required if you hold a valid EHIC | Recommended | Optional |
| Non-EU Students Long stay (2 semesters or more) | Mandatory | Strongly recommended | Required for your first 3 to 5 months |
| Non-EU Students Short stay (1 to 5 months) | Not applicable | Not applicable | Required before you arrive in France |
Non-EU students staying for at least two semesters must enroll in the French public health system (CPAM). It covers a portion of your medical costs between 15% and 70% depending on the type of care.
To register go to ameli.fr and create an account with your student details. Your Carte Vitale will arrive within a few weeks.
Enrollment must be completed at the start of the academic year ideally as soon as you arrive.
This applies to students under 29 years old enrolled in a French higher education institution.
Since CPAM does not cover all your expenses a mutuelle fills the gap particularly for dental care glasses and specialist visits. Budget around 150 to 300€ per year.
Student-friendly options include:
Enrolling in French Social Security takes time sometimes up to 5 months. If your program is short-term, you must arrange health insurance before leaving your home country. Your policy must cover illness, accidents, hospitalization, and repatriation, starting from day one of your arrival in France.
If you did not organize coverage before arriving, LMDE, HEYME, and MONDASSUR all offer plans you can take out upon arrival.
If you are from an EU or EEA country, you do not need to register with French Social Security, provided you can show either:
Without one of these, you will need to enroll in CPAM and arrange temporary private insurance for your first months.
All ISMAC students, regardless of nationality or program length, must hold both civil liability and repatriation insurance.
Civil liability covers any damage you may accidentally cause to another person or their property. Repatriation insurance covers the cost of returning to your home country in the event of a serious medical emergency. Both are usually included in international student insurance packages and can be arranged before or after your arrival in France.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Medical Emergency (SAMU) | 15 |
| Police | 17 |
| Fire Brigade | 18 |
| Pan-European Emergency | 112 |
For everyday health needs, book a GP appointment on https://www.doctolib.fr/ Pharmacists identified by a green cross can also help with minor issues and over-the-counter medication.
Always carry your Carte Vitale and mutuelle card to any appointment.
