This information is for orientation only. Coverage and timelines depend on status (student, worker, scholarship holder). In an emergency: 15 (SAMU) or 112.
Health coverage roadmap
Enrolment → CPAM registration → NIR → Carte Vitale → Médecin traitant → Mutuelle (recommended)
Student checklist — health
- EU: EHIC/TEAM + passport; add mutuelle if needed.
- Non-EU: register on etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr (passport, visa, school certificate).
- With work: registration via employer (URSSAF) — check NIR on first payslip.
- Mutuelle: covers ticket moderateur and dentistry — often ~€10–40/month for students.
- Médecin traitant: declare for full reimbursement on coordinated care paths.
Three main pathways
| Profile | Coverage | Key step |
|---|---|---|
| EU student | EHIC for emergencies; PUMA/CPAM if stable stay | CPAM registration if > 3 months |
| Non-EU student | Assurance Maladie after registration | etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr |
| Working student | Régime général via salary | Carte Vitale from employer/CPAM |
International student registration
- Enrolment certificate — From the university (current year).
- Online application — etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr with scanned documents.
- Waiting for NIR — Can take weeks; keep provisional attestation.
- Ameli account — For card, remboursements, médecin.
- Carte Vitale — Order online when NIR is active.
Médecin traitant and specialists
- Médecin généraliste — Book via Doctolib; ask to be your médecin traitant.
- Specialist — Usually needs ordonnance from GP for better reimbursement.
- Hospital emergencies — For real emergencies; otherwise prefer GP or SOS Médecins.
Pharmacy and mental health
- Pharmacie — Green cross; many OTC products; antibiotics with prescription.
- Mental health: university service + CPAM/conventionné psychologist — waiting lists vary.
- Scholarships / exemptions: some statuses reduce co-pays — check with CPAM.
Useful numbers
| Number | Service |
|---|---|
| 15 | SAMU (medical emergency) |
| 112 | EU emergencies |
| 18 | Pompiers |
| 3114 | Suicide prevention (free) |
Common mistakes
- Not registering with CPAM thinking the visa is enough.
- Seeing specialists without médecin traitant — reduced reimbursement.
- Confusing travel insurance with CPAM student coverage.
- Working off the books — no contributions, no protection.
Official links
Sources
Full paid visits until activated — do now.
Quick reference
PUMA + social security: medical conventionné, partial refund. Emergencies: 15 SAMU, 112 EU. Mutuelle common top-up.
How healthcare works
Access
Déclaration médecin traitant. Ticket moderator on visits.
Mandatory insurance
Coverage
Free student registration. Mutuelle €10–30/month for dental/optique.
Mental health
BAPU campus. MonPsy partial refund. Public psychotherapy waiting lists.
Student support
Campus
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Statutory health insurance
CPAM (general scheme)
Enrolment after settling in France; Vitale card or temporary certificate; coordinated care via a médecin traitant.
Top-up cover
Many people add a mutuelle for dental, optical, and lower out-of-pocket costs.
Access to care
GP & specialists
Referrals from your declared GP usually optimise reimbursement—check current exceptions.
Pharmacies
Prescription co-payments unless exempt.
Emergencies
15 / 18 / 112
15 medical emergency; 18 fire brigade; 112 European emergency; out-of-hours non-urgent care via local on-call services.
Student mental health
France funds a limited number of psychology sessions for students under Mon soutien psy—check the current cap and process on the official page.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.