Registering for healthcare in France is mandatory, entirely free for students, and will save you thousands of euros. It requires patience, but the safety net it provides is unparalleled.
France operates on a universal healthcare system known as the Sécurité Sociale (often referred to simply as "Ameli", the name of its online platform). As an international student, you are entitled to this coverage, which reimburses up to 70% of your medical expenses.
Here is the exact process to get into the system.
Step 1: The Initial Registration
You cannot do this until you have arrived in France and enrolled in your university.
- Go to the dedicated portal: etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr
- Upload your passport, student visa, university enrollment certificate, birth certificate (translated into French), and your French RIB (bank details).
- Submit the dossier.
Step 2: The Temporary Number (Numéro Provisoire)
Within a few weeks of submitting your dossier, Ameli will issue you a temporary Social Security Number.
- What this means: You are now covered! You can go to the doctor.
- How it works: Because you do not have the physical green card yet, you must pay the doctor upfront. The doctor will give you a brown paper form called a Feuille de Soins. You mail this form to your local CPAM (healthcare office) along with your RIB, and they will wire the reimbursement to your bank account.
Step 3: The Permanent Number and "Carte Vitale"
Eventually (this can take several months due to administrative backlogs), you will receive your permanent Social Security Number.
- Once you have this, you can create an account on Ameli.fr.
- Through the Ameli portal, you will upload a passport photo to request your physical Carte Vitale (the green card).
- The Magic of the Card: Once you have your Carte Vitale, you simply hand it to the doctor or pharmacist. The 70% reimbursement happens digitally and automatically, no more mailing paper forms!
Warning: Never ignore mail from CPAM or Ameli. If they ask for a document to be re uploaded, do it immediately to prevent your file from being archived.
This guide is based on the official CPAM procedures for foreign students. Processing times for the permanent SSN vary heavily by region.
This guide was drafted from verified service-public.fr sources. Always confirm details on the official website before taking action.