The French healthcare system for retirees

1. Accessing the French healthcare system (PUMa)

The Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMa) allows retirees residing in France to access the public healthcare system. If you live in France for more than three months and are a legal resident, you may qualify for PUMa.

2. Carte Vitale: Your key to French healthcare

Once registered in the system, retirees receive a Carte Vitale, which is used to access medical services and ensures reimbursement of healthcare costs through the French social security system.

3. Cost of public healthcare in France

While the French healthcare system is highly subsidized, it does not cover 100% of medical expenses. Retirees are usually responsible for:

• A percentage of medical consultations (about 30%)

• Hospital stays (approximately 20%)

• Prescription medication costs (varies by type of drug)

Private health insurance for retirees in France

1. Why you need private health insurance

Although the French system is excellent, private health insurance (mutuelle or international health plans) can cover the gaps left by the public system. This ensures full reimbursement of medical expenses, better access to specialists, and additional services such as dental and vision care.

2. Types of private health insurance available

a) Top-Up Insurance (Mutuelle)

• Designed for residents already in the public system

• Covers the remaining healthcare costs not reimbursed by PUMa

• Available through French insurance providers

b) International health insurance

• Ideal for new expats who are not yet eligible for PUMa

• Covers private healthcare, hospital stays, and sometimes repatriation

• Offered by global insurers such as Cigna, Allianz, and AXA

3. How much does private health insurance cost?

Costs vary based on age, coverage level, and health condition, but retirees can expect to pay:

• Top-up insurance (mutuelle): €50-200 per month

• International health insurance: €100-500 per month, depending on coverage