Created in 1945, social security is a real revolution. It financially covers part of the drugs, part of the fees of doctors and specialists and part of the health costs (hospitalization, surgery, etc.) of French residents. To benefit from more comprehensive protection, it will be necessary to contact other organizations, private or not, which will offer additional protection.
In some cases, it also allows you to receive daily work accident or sickness indemnities to compensate for lost wages.
If you have been in France for less than 3 months:
You must have health insurance from your country of origin
If you need treatment, you will have to pay.
In the event of a “vital emergency”, if you cannot pay, you can benefit from the urgent care system (Cf “Médecins du Monde”)
If you have been in France for more than 3 months:
If you do not have a job, you will need to have health insurance, you will not be able to benefit from Universal Health Coverage. If you have very low resources, you can benefit from AME (State Medical Aid)
If you work, you are entitled to French health insurance.
Registration
Registration is done by registering with the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM) of the department of residence and it allows the person concerned to appear on the list of insured persons.
A 13-digit social security number will be issued by the CPAM once the identification of the insured has been made. This number is unique and invariable.
Documents to be provided:
- A copy of your identity document (passport is also accepted)
- A copy of your employment contract or your last pay slip.
- Proof of address for more than 3 months if you are not an employee
- a RIB (Bank Identity Statement)
- Registration fees : free
Specimens of the necessary forms : Formaulaire de demande d’ouverture de droits Sécurité sociale:
https://www.aide-sociale.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/demande-ouverture-securite-sociale.pdf
For more info:
A single telephone number is used to reach the Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM), 36 46 (price of a local call) or on the CPAM website: https://www.ameli.fr
