The French healthcare system

France’s healthcare system operates on a two-tier model that can initially seem complex to newcomers from English speaking countries such as the UK. While the French health service Caisses primaires d’assurance maladie (CPAM) offers universal cover, the mutuelle system (or ‘Top-Up’ health cover) gives essential complementary protection, filling the gaps left by state healthcare. Typically, the state covers 70% of standard medical costs, leaving patients responsible for the remaining 30%. It is obligatory for all residents of France to have insurance cover, covering all or part of their healthcare costs.

Benefits of private healthcare insurance

If you are moving to France and do not currently meet the criteria for French healthcare, private health insurance (‘first euro’ or ‘premier euro’) is an option. Specifically, its key benefit is that it provides essential and medical cover from day one, especially while an individual is awaiting eligibility or has their application to the French healthcare system processed. You can find out more about the French healthcare eligibility criteria in this article.

The mutuelle – or Top-Up health cover

For people who are eligible for French healthcare and who wish to live in France on a long term basis, a transition to a mutuelle is the next step. In French, people refer to the mutuelle as complementaire santé or in English, Top-Up health cover. It is not optional luxury cover, but a practical necessity for inclusive medical treatment and healthcare. This article provides further information about how Top-Up health care cover works.

Helping you to choose the appropriate healthcare cover

At AXA Marthon, we offer both private healthcare insurance and Top-Up health cover; the first step is to understand the needs of you and your family by speaking to our friendly, English-speaking team.

Allowing individuals to choose a contract that best suits their budget and specific health needs is crucial. That is why AXA has various levels of plans available, providing essential cover or more extensive protection for areas like orthodontics, private hospital rooms, or alternative therapies.

Special offers for AXA clients

AXA Marthon is pleased to propose some special offers to our clients.

If you live in France, are over 60 or you are self-employed, you can benefit from our 10% discount on Top-Up health insurance.

What’s more, buy 2, 3 or 4 policies – and we’ll reimburse you the cost of the most expensive contract for the number of contracts taken out. For example, if you take out 3 contracts you will get 3 free months on the most expensive contract.

Insurance France is the trading name of AXA Marthon. We are an English and French speaking AXA agency, taking care of your insurance so you can enjoy your life in France.

To find out more please contact us below for a free, no-obligation quotation:

Phone: +33 (0)5 45 70 43 76

Email: agence.florentmorin@axa.fr

Website: insurancefrance.fr