You are a European (EU/EEA) or Swiss student:

You have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)*, you do not need to do anything when you arrive in France*. You will have to present your EHIC at your medical appointments and will only have to pay the complementary portion (ticket modérateur) plus a fixed contribution. The EHIC allows you to be covered for part of your health care costs during your stay in France.

*You must apply for a EHIC in your country of origin at least two months before your departure for France

How to be reimbursed with the EHIC?

As a holder of a EHIC, you have two options to be reimbursed for your health expenses:

  • Request reimbursement from your social security organization in charge of your health care expenses once you return to your country of origin upon presentation of the bills for the care you have paid in advance.
  • Contact the Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie (CPAM) of your place of residence during your stay and receive reimbursements directly on site.

Before visiting a health professional or hospital, we advise you to check whether he or she belongs to sector 1 or sector 2, because the amount you will have to pay will be higher if he or she belongs to sector 2. In fact, the health professional can freely set his or her rates if he or she is a sector 2 physician.

For example, a consultation with a general practitioner in sector 1 costs 25€. The reimbursement is done as follows on the basis of 25€:
- 70% will be reimbursed by the CPAM, i.e. 16.50€ because a fixed part of 1€ remains at your charge
- 30% will be reimbursed by your complementary insurance company if you have one, i.e. 7.50€.

If the consultation with a general practitioner in sector 2 costs 25€ with an overcharging of 7€, that is 32€ in total. The reimbursement is done as follows, on the basis of 23€ only and not 25€:
- 70% will be reimbursed by the CPAM, i.e. 15.10€, as a fixed part of 1€ remains at your charge
- 30% will be reimbursed by your complementary insurance company if you have one, i.e. 6.9€.
- The 7€ overcharged remains at your expense

The importance of the complementary health insurance

Through the example given above you understand that the CPAM does not reimburse the whole of your expenses, the complementary part and the fixed part remain at your charge. In order to be reimbursed for the complementary part, it is strongly recommended to take out a complementary health insurance
A large choice is available and offered by insurance companies, banks, student complementary insurance companies..., do not hesitate to compare the different offers and ask for a quote.
Moreover, taking out a complementary insurance in addition to your EHIC allows you, depending on the level of coverage you choose, not to pay in advance for hospitalization fees, the purchase of medication, etc.

You do not have a EHIC or you have a S1 form

In this case, you must follow the same procedure as a non-European student and register with the CPAM.

How to find a doctor?

In case of urgent medical consulation and/or difficulties to find an appoitment:

Do you need help?

If you have any questions about your file or your reimbursements, please contact the CPAM directly:
Line in French
Tel: 36 46 / From abroad: +33 184 90 36 46
Line in English
Tel: 09 74 75 36 46 / From abroad: +33.974.75.36.46

If you need additional information or guidance, the International Student Desk will be happy to assist you.