Do I have to register with French social security as an international student, and is it free?
Registration with the French social security system is free and mandatory for eligible international students, and you should do it after enrolling. It does not make every healthcare expense free. A sector 1 GP consultation is EUR 30, and Assurance Maladie generally reimburses 70% of the applicable base.
Registration is free and mandatory for eligible international students, and you should complete it after enrolling at your institution. It does not mean all healthcare costs are fully covered.
Typical healthcare costs
| Healthcare expense | Approximate cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Social security registration | Free |
| General practitioner consultation | 30 (approx INR 3,269) |
| Specialist consultation | From around 26.50 (approx INR 2,888) |
| Supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) | Around 20 to 40 (approx INR 2,179 to 4,359) per month (planning estimate) |
| Medicines | Varies by medicine and reimbursement |
| Dental treatment | Varies by treatment and coverage |
How reimbursement works
The standard tariff for a sector 1 general practitioner is EUR 30 (approx INR 3,269). Assurance Maladie generally reimburses 70% of the applicable base, subject to the fixed contribution and rules. Supplementary premiums vary by provider, age and coverage.
My Advice
Register soon after enrolling and keep your documents handy for reimbursement claims. Consider a supplementary policy if you want to reduce the share you pay yourself, and compare a few providers first.
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