If you live in France, it’s crucial to understand how French healthcare works and who pays for it.

Overview of French healthcare

France has a universal healthcare system, with the Sécurité Sociale (social security) playing a central role in providing access to medical care.

What does the French healthcare system cover?

French healthcare covers some costs for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions (often only partially), with reimbursements typically around 70% for consultations plus limited dental care. However, it doesn’t cover everything: so, if you need certain types of dental work (e.g. a crown fitting) it will only cover a small percentage of the total cost.

That is why it’s important to have an insurance policy which bridges the gap between the cost of the treatment and how much the state will pay. It’s also important to know that health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in France, though it can cover all or just part of their healthcare expenses.

What is Top-Up Health Cover?

Top-Up Health Cover (or mutuelle) is a health insurance policy which pays the difference between the cost of healthcare or treatment and the amount paid by the French social security system. It can help cover out-of-pocket expenses or specific hospital, medical or health treatments not fully covered by the social security system. Examples include optical care, private hospital rooms and alternative therapies.

Let’s give a simple example.

A visit to a GP cost €30. The French social security system will reimburse you 70% (after deduction of a mandatory 2€ surcharge) and the mutelle provider pays the difference.

Budgeting for your healthcare

One key benefit of Top-Up Health Cover is that you can decide the type of cover you want. This means that you can choose a contract that suits your budget and needs. For example, do you wish to opt for essential cover (for emergency situations) or pay for eye and dental care? The cost of the premium varies depending on factors such as your age, health status and cover options.

Helping you to choose the appropriate level of cover

AXA Marthon can help you find the right Top-Up Health Cover for you and your family. We offer a 10% discount on Top-Up Health Cover for residents of France, those over 60, and the self-employed.

Special Offers available with AXA

If you purchase two, three, or four policies, we’ll give you a discount equivalent to the cost of the most expensive one. For example, buy three policies and get the most expensive one free for three months.

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