If you are in need of emergency medical assistance while in France the number to call is 112. This is a standard medical emergency number for the whole of the European Union. In France you can also call 15 for the SAMU service (ambulance) or 18 (fire department) which is still in use. Healthcare overall in France is at the higher end across the whole of Europe. There is very little difference in the service you will receive from state run medical institutions and private medical hospitals.

France has a public health insurance program since its establishment in 1945 has undergone many changes and evolved to cover all legal residents of France. The government ensures that all those in the country have access to adequate medical care.

It ensures that those who need refunds for the healthcare that they have received get them in good time. The government is also responsible for ensuring that the patient’s rights come first and is responsible for healthcare policies.

It is considered by many healthcare professionals that the working conditions in a private hospital are better than those in public hospitals. Fees for medical treatment are negotiated by the doctor’s unions and the health insurance funds and the vast majority of healthcare providers use these fees.

In order to receive medical treatment the patient must have the ‘carte vitale’. This is presented when medical treatment is received and it passes the details on to the ‘caisse d’assurance’. If you need medical treatment it should be administered within the region of your caisse d’assurance. Medical treatment is paid for when it is administered and refunds are received later. If you visit the family doctor you can expect to get back around 70% of the cost. If you undergo major surgery you can expect around 95% of the cost back, minor surgery is normally an 80% refund but costs associated with pregnancy and childbirth are normally refunded at 100%. Prescription cost refunds can be anything between 15 and 65%.

There are certain medical conditions under which a patient can get a 100% refund. Some cancers, diabetes and heart disease are some of these conditions. You would have to be in need of long term care in order to qualify.

Financial aid is available in the form of the RMI (revenue minimum d’insertion) for those who are on a low income. You need to apply to be affiliated to this scheme but when it is approved you can get the health coverage which gives you a 100% refund. If you do not qualify and are worried about the cost of insurance then you can opt for l’assurance complementaire. This will enable you to get some of your money back which is not refunded automatically by the health system. There are a range of plans available so finding one to suit your income and family needs should be easy.

EU citizens that live in France but do not work have limited access to the healthcare system. If you are working then you will be making contributions to the social security system so will qualify for the benefits. If you are not working then you should have already proved that you have a reasonable level of income to support yourself and you are in possession of a private healthcare policy that will cover you if you need medical treatment. If you are a legal resident of France, an EU citizen and are not working you are also entitle to the universal health coverage known as CMU.

The basic level of CMU helps those who do not have insurance but this has to be applied for. It will cover some reimbursements but not as high as the standard healthcare services. Complementary CMU is for those who have been in France for more than a 3 month period. This gives those on a low income a 100% refund of health services and there is no need to pay up front for services. Those who are from a country outside the EU will need to prove that they have the right to be in France and be included in the state healthcare system.

Smoking in many public areas is forbidden in France and this has been done in order to promote healthier lifestyles. Obesity is not considered to be a major problem in France at the moment.

Counselling and mental health services can be made available through the public healthcare system, although some people may be required to have this treatment privately if it is not considered to be essential.