Health coverage and mandatory affiliation

Enrollment in Social Security (Ameli)

For every student (French or foreign), being registered with the Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) is mandatory to benefit from health coverage, meaning reimbursement for medical care, medications, consultations, etc.

Why is Ameli important for a foreigner?

It provides access to reimbursed healthcare in France: Without registration, you will have to pay all your healthcare costs yourself.

It is mandatory to carry out other administrative procedures related to work, housing, and banking that require Health Insurance affiliation.

It has been free since 2018.

Who is eligible?

Anyone legally working in France, including foreigners.

From the moment you have an employment contract, you are entitled to health coverage.

Steps to follow:

Prepare an enrollment file

Obtain a social security number and a Carte Vitale (health card), first a temporary number (usually within a few weeks), then a permanent number (INSEE) after processing your file. Once registered, you can create your account on Ameli.fr and request your Carte Vitale.

Complementary health insurance (mutuelle):

Mandatory in companies: every employer must offer a company complementary health insurance (partially covered). It supplements the reimbursements of the Health Insurance.

You can also subscribe to an individual complementary health insurance if you are not eligible for a company plan (short-term contract, multiple employers, etc.).

Important: The process can take several weeks, so it is advisable to start as soon as you arrive in France.

In case of emergency, if you get sick before your file is finalized:

You can request retroactive coverage for medical expenses.

Some hospitals or doctors may charge for care upfront, which can later be reimbursed via Ameli.