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European scientists and 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.

Scientists 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). Children under 18 are eligible for universal health cover under the French social security scheme. You must register your children when you register yourself.
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 children over the age of 18 may be eligible for universal health cover (PUMA) under the French social security scheme after three months residing in France and only if they can provide supporting documents certifying they do not have health cover in another European country. They must register individually with the local CPAM.

Download the list of documents required by the CPAM.

Scientists without French employment contracts

If you do not have a French employment contract, you may be eligible for cover by the French social security scheme under certain conditions.

You may be eligible for universal health cover under the French social security scheme after three months of residence in France. You must provide documents proving that you no longer have the right to social security in your previous country of residence. You must register individually with the local CPAM.

Download the list of documents required by the CPAM.

Before leaving your country:

If you still have rights to health cover in your previous European country of residence, it is strongly recommended to request:

If you have no further rights to health cover in your previous European country of residence, it is strongly recommended to take out private health insurance before your arrival.