Lately, there’s been a lot of misinformation circulating online and in the media—both in France and abroad—about the French healthcare system, including the common myth that health services here are completely free.
In reality, France’s healthcare system is exceptional. Doctors and nurses genuinely care about your overall well-being, taking the time to check in not only on your physical health but also on your mental health.
France offers one of the best healthcare systems in the world — efficient, accessible, and highly ranked for quality of care. But if you’re traveling from the United States or Canada, you may wonder what happens if you get sick or injured during your stay.
This guide explains exactly how to access healthcare in France as an American or Canadian, whether you’re here on vacation, studying abroad, or living in France long-term with a visa.
Emergency Healthcare in France: Always Available
If you experience a medical emergency in France, you will receive care — no matter your nationality, visa type, or insurance status.
Emergency numbers to know:
☎️ 15 — Medical emergencies (SAMU)
☎️ 18 — Fire and rescue
☎️ 112 — EU-wide emergency number (works from all phones)
You can go directly to a public hospital emergency room (“urgences”), and you will be treated. However, if you don’t have insurance, you will be billed for services, so it’s important to be covered before you arrive.
Healthcare for Tourists in France: Bring Travel Medical Insurance
If you’re visiting France for less than 90 days, you are not covered by the French public healthcare system (Assurance Maladie). That means you need travel health insurance before your trip.
What Your Travel Health Insurance Should Include
At least €30,000 in medical coverage (required by Schengen visa rules)
Coverage for emergency treatment and hospitalization
Medical evacuation or repatriation to the U.S. or Canada
Trip interruption or accident coverage
Popular options for North Americans include Allianz Travel, AXA Assistance, World Nomads, Cigna Global, and Blue Cross (for Canadians).
Tip: Always carry a paper and digital copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers while traveling.
Seeing a Doctor in France as a Tourist
For non-emergency medical issues, you can visit a general practitioner (médecin généraliste) or clinic.
Appointments can be booked online at Doctolib.fr, where you can filter by language — many doctors in major cities speak English.
A typical consultation costs €25–€30 (≈ $27–$33 USD / $36–$44 CAD).
Pay directly by card or cash, and keep your invoice (“feuille de soins”) to claim reimbursement from your travel insurer.
Long-Stay Visa Holders: Register for French Health Insurance
If you’re moving to France for more than 3 months — for work, study, or retirement — you’re eligible to join the French national healthcare system (Assurance Maladie).
How to Register
Validate your visa or obtain your residence permit (titre de séjour).
Apply for coverage on ameli.fr (the official health insurance portal).
Submit documents: passport, proof of residence in France, visa validation, and proof of income or enrollment (for students).
Once approved, you’ll receive a social security number and eventually a Carte Vitale, which lets you receive automatic reimbursement at medical offices and pharmacies.
Until your registration is finalized, keep private health insurance active to avoid uncovered costs.
For Students, Workers, and Retirees
Students from North America with a valid student visa can register for free or discounted public healthcare (Sécurité Sociale Étudiante).
Employees are automatically enrolled by their employer.
Self-employed professionals register through URSSAF or CPAM.
Retirees and long-term residents
can apply for PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) after establishing
residence — granting access to the same healthcare benefits as French
citizens.
Employees are automatically enrolled by their employer.
Self-employed professionals register through URSSAF or CPAM.
Retirees and long-term residents can apply for PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) after establishing residence — granting access to the same healthcare benefits as French citizens.
Pharmacies and Everyday Medical Needs
French pharmacies — marked by a green neon cross — are well-equipped and staffed by qualified pharmacists. They can:
Provide over-the-counter medication
Give basic health advice
Renew certain prescriptions
Recommend when to see a doctor
In tourist regions such as Paris, Nice, and Lyon, many pharmacists speak English.
How Healthcare Payments and Reimbursements Work
If you are registered with the French system, the state typically covers 70% of healthcare costs.
The rest is usually covered by a mutuelle (supplemental insurance).
Tourists or short-stay visitors will pay upfront and later submit their receipts to their travel insurer for reimbursement.
Keep your medical receipts, prescriptions, and payment proofs — they are essential for any claims.
Key Tips for Americans and Canadians in France
✅ Emergency care is available to everyone.
✅ Always travel with medical insurance that includes evacuation coverage.
✅ Keep digital and paper copies of your insurance and passport.
✅ Register for French health coverage if you plan to stay long-term.
✅ Pharmacies and clinics are reliable and easy to find across France.
The Bottom Line
France
offers outstanding medical care — whether you’re visiting for a few
days or settling in for a new life. While French residents benefit from
universal health coverage, Americans and Canadians can still access the
same top-tier care with proper travel or expat insurance.
By
preparing before you arrive — understanding how to register, what to
expect, and how to pay — you’ll ensure peace of mind and protection
while enjoying everything France has to offer.
