As many of you already know, the French social security system is known worldwide for being the best in the world.
On a first approach the paperwork could seems complicated but is very easy.
There are two kinds of health insurances in France, the public and the private. The public one is called "caisse d'assurance maladie" it is for all the people who are born in France or who reside in the country, so as far as you have a carte de sejour or a long term visa to stay in the country you can apply.
All you need is to go to the nearest "caisse primaire d'assurance maladie" and they will tell you how to "enroll" usually you need the basic papers, copy of your passport, copy of your carte de sejour or visa, copy of you bank RIB, copy of your school certificate (attestation scolarite) and maybe a copy of your housing certificate (quittance de loyer). Then they will guide you thru it.
If you are in:
- Paris: 66 Avenue de Maine 75014
- Lyon: 12 Rue d'aubigny 69003
- Dijon: 8 Rue Docteur Maret 21000
Or simply ask google: "Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie a XXXX" and you'll get your answers.
This social -public- health insurance will cover some of your medical expenses, I'd say, the basics.
The list of percentages covered by it
HERE
It is more or less 70% of your expenses on doctors and medicine, but there are some areas that are left with very little coverage, such as the ophthalmology and the dentist.
For this, you can buy a "complementary sante" or "mutuelle" there are thousands of different ones. Usually your school with find you (most likely oblige you) to get one or you can also ask at your bank! They usually have very good prices for students. This private insurances usually cover what the social security doesn't, reimbursing you everything you spend on doctors and health care.
NOTE: Usually if you go to a private school they will process your health insurance via Smerra (securite social etudiant). You can ready about it
HERE
TIPS:
1. If you ever need to be hospitalized, don't be surprised of having roommates. Yes that's right in France, (aside from the private "clinique") no one gets special treatment. You are just one normal person from the crowd so they have big rooms divided (barely) by curtains, sometimes this is not a problem, but sometimes, it could be very stressful to hear your roommate in pain.
2. There's no security!!! I know all the readers come from different parts of the globe, and I speak from my personal experience, but from where I come from, we have metal detectors at hospitals, to make sure you do not enter anything hazardous to the hospital. Also, cell phones must be let at the entrance (on intensive care spaces not at the regular entrance). However in France you just walk in, take the elevator and see yourself to the rooms. (Visit hours only)
3. Good thing, the food is apparently better and healthier than other countries (A friend told me that)
4. If you ever get injured (lets hope you don't) unless you are unconscious or truly unable to move is very rare that an ambulance will come pick you up (the ambulance service is very strange, I'm still trying to figure it out - apparently is semi private and come with extra charge. - will get back to you on that) So instead of wasting precious time laying on the floor, or waiting, just take a cab and find your way to the nearest hospital. (Tip - ask the driver for a receipt, maybe your insurance will cover for it!)
Other than that I think you'll be ok. Let's just hope you never need to go thru all this.
Stay safe!
T-
