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European PhD students with their spouse

During your stay in France, it is essential that you and your family have insurance cover, whether private or provided by a social security scheme.

PhD students registered in France with French employment contracts

You are eligible for universal health cover under the French social security scheme from the first day of employment in France. You must register with the local branch of the healthcare system: Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM). Your minor children can also be registered.
Your employer might do the registration procedure on your behalf. You should check with your HR department whether they do it. If they do not, you must send your complete file yourself.

Your spouse and adult children may be eligible for universal health cover: Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) provided by the French social security scheme after three months of residence in France. They must provide documents proving that they no longer have the right to social security in their last country of residence. They must register individually with your local healthcare agency: Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM).

Download the list of documents required for CPAM registration.

PhD students registered in France without French employment contracts

Before leaving your country, obtain your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and ask your insurance company for the S-1 form. You do not need to register with the French social security scheme.

Your spouse and children will also need their EHICs and/or S1 forms.

If you are not eligible for social security in your last country of residence, you can apply for registration with the French social security scheme by providing additional documents.
Further information.

PhD students in France for research purposes but not registered

Before leaving your country, obtain your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and ask your insurance company for the S-1 form.

Your spouse and children will also need their EHICs and/or S1 forms.