French healthcare
French healthcare is of a high standard.
Compared to Sweden, accessibility in particular is much better. Even smaller towns, even villages, often have a doctor. France also has considerably more doctors per inhabitant in primary care, which may be the main reason why accessibility is perceived as better in France.
EU citizens' rights
Interestingly, life expectancy in France is relatively high, which can be explained, among other things, by an ambitious healthcare system and a good lifestyle.
Regardless of your place of residence, you should of course study what happens if you fall ill while you are in France.
The important thing to know is that as EU citizens we have the same rights as the French themselves, but of course we have to follow local regulations.
If you intend to stay in France for a longer period and are no longer covered by the social security system in Sweden, you should contact the local health insurance fund, called CPAM (Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie).
The CPAM issues French health insurance cards (carte vitale), but please note that it may take time to obtain such a card.
Practical aspects
Health care in France is managed by both the public and private sectors and the reimbursement paid by CPAM is equal for both sectors. General practitioners often have their own private practice or work in medical centers. In France, there are no units equivalent to the health centers in Sweden.
According to EU regulations, Swedes are entitled to healthcare in France. However, a certificate from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (E121) is required. By submitting the certificate to the French equivalent of the Social Insurance Agency CPAM, you are entitled to healthcare in France under EU rules. You will then receive, among other things, a "Carte Vitale".
This must be carried at every doctor's appointment and shown at La Pharmacie when you collect your medicine. Without a Carte Vitale, you will not be able to do anything. Before making an appointment with a doctor, check that the doctor is "conventionné", i.e. has an agreement with the national health system. You must go to doctors who are affiliated to this system.
When you visit a doctor, you normally pay the gross fee. The receipt you receive is sent to the French insurance fund (CPAM). You can also request reimbursement via the Swedish insurance fund, which usually takes longer, as the Swedish fund must consult what happened in France.
Hospital visits work a little differently in terms of reimbursement, but reassuringly so, in part because the hospital is paid directly by the French Social Security. In principle, we receive "free" care during hospitalization, unless we request a private room, for example.
Most Swedes living in France, like the French themselves, take out supplementary insurance, known as Mutuelle. It also covers part of the cost of any specialist care.
The French government pays for some parts. Insurance may cost up to €100/month, depending on your age and health.
Finally, if you have an emergency, you can get help by calling 112 or 15 (emergency services).
When you buy medicines you get a special receipt, feuille de soins. The medicine contains a small sticker, which must be stuck to the receipt. Otherwise you will not be reimbursed.
It is also a good recommendation to have your own registered family doctor - médecin traitant, who can refer you to a specialist.
January 2025