France – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in France?

Cancer, neuro-psychiatric conditions (including Alzheimer’s disease), cardiovascular illness, and diabetes represent the principal disease burdens in France. These non-communicable conditions account for the largest share of illness, disability, and mortality across the population — a pattern broadly consistent with trends seen throughout high-income Western European nations.

In 2019, cancers and cardiovascular diseases exerted the greatest toll in France, accounting for approximately 3.83 million and 2.31 million DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) respectively. A DALY is a standard international measurement that combines years of life lost to early death with years spent living with disability, offering a useful means of comparing the overall burden imposed by different conditions.

The most widely treated diseases in France were diabetes (6.0%), chronic respiratory diseases (5.5%), and coronary conditions (3.2%). Between 2015 and 2019, healthcare expenditure rose most steeply for diabetes (up €906 million) and neurotic and mood disorders (up €861 million), driven by increasing patient numbers. This mirrors a pattern observed across much of Europe, where chronic conditions are placing growing strain on health systems.

Deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias have climbed sharply since 2000, a trend connected to an ageing population, improved diagnostic practices, the absence of effective treatments, and shifts in how causes of death are coded. Lung cancer remains the foremost cause of cancer-related mortality, reflecting the lasting consequences of historically elevated smoking rates.

France’s comparatively favourable health outcomes are partly attributable to lower rates of cardiovascular risk factors — such as hypertension and diabetes — and healthier lifestyle behaviours compared to Western Europe as a whole. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in France, for instance, stands at 2.7%, well below the Western European average of 5.9%.

France nonetheless confronts significant healthcare system challenges, among them medically underserved regions, persistent social inequalities in health, and pressures on hospital services. These disparities mean that health outcomes can vary considerably depending on where someone lives and their socioeconomic circumstances. Rural communities and overseas territories tend to have more limited access to specialist care.

Is France considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

By most international measures, France performs strongly on population health indicators. It consistently appears among Europe’s healthier nations, drawing on a generously funded universal healthcare system, broadly healthy dietary traditions, and robust preventive care infrastructure.

In 2024, life expectancy in France rose to 83.1 years — 85.9 years for women and 80.2 years for men. This places France 1.4 years above the EU average. To put this in context, EU men reaching the age of 65 can expect to live to around 83.3 years on average — French men exceed this comfortably.

France also outperforms most EU countries in terms of how long people live after retirement age. In 2023, men in France who reached 65 lived for an average of a further 19.7 years (reaching 84.7), while women lived an additional 23.4 years (to 88.4). These figures rank among the highest recorded anywhere in Europe.

While the overall health of the French population is good and life expectancy is on an upward trajectory, notable disparities persist by both gender and socioeconomic background. During the 2012–2016 period, for example, the gap in life expectancy between the wealthiest 5% and the poorest 5% of the population reached 13 years for men and 8 years for women — an inequality that continues to preoccupy public health policymakers.

France also posted lower avoidable mortality rates than the majority of EU countries in 2022. “Avoidable mortality” refers to deaths that could have been prevented through effective public health measures or timely medical intervention — making it a key benchmark for assessing health system performance.

For the most current data on France’s health indicators, readers are encouraged to consult the WHO country profile for France, the OECD Health at a Glance report, or the French national statistics institute INSEE. Specific figures are updated annually, and official sources will always carry the most reliable current data.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in France?

As a high-income country with strong public health infrastructure, reliable clean water supplies, and well-enforced food safety standards, France presents infectious disease risks broadly comparable to those found elsewhere in Western Europe. Nevertheless, there are several seasonal and environmental health factors worth familiarising yourself with before moving.

Seasonal influenza is one of the most significant recurring public health issues. The flu season at the start of 2024 returned to the severity observed prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Annual flu vaccination is widely recommended — particularly for older residents and those with pre-existing health conditions — and is readily available through pharmacies and GPs.

Tick-borne illness is a genuine concern for those spending time in forested or rural areas. Lyme disease (borreliosis) occurs throughout France, with elevated rates in the Alsace region in the northeast, as well as parts of Brittany and the Massif Central. Anyone hiking or walking through woodland should apply insect repellent and carry out thorough tick checks afterwards. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been recorded in parts of Alsace, and a vaccine is available for those planning regular outdoor activities in affected zones.

Tuberculosis incidence in France stands at approximately 7.2 cases per 100,000 population (as of 2022). While this is low by global standards, TB screening may be worth considering for expats arriving from countries where the disease is more prevalent.

No vaccinations are specifically required as a legal condition of taking up residence in France. That said, the standard French immunisation schedule covers diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and whooping cough. Expats should confirm that their immunisation records are current before relocating. For personalised vaccination recommendations, consult your home country’s official travel health authority — such as the CDC (US), NHS Travel Health (UK), or your national equivalent.

Air quality warrants attention as an environmental health concern, especially in larger cities. Paris and other urban centres periodically experience elevated concentrations of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, largely driven by road traffic. The government-operated air quality monitoring network Atmo France provides daily regional air quality data. People living with respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD should track local air quality alerts and adjust their activities accordingly.

Tap water quality across mainland France is generally excellent and meets EU standards throughout most of the country. Food safety is governed by EU regulation and subject to rigorous enforcement.

Is smoking common in France, and what are the laws around it?

France has long carried a reputation for widespread smoking, but the situation has shifted considerably over recent years. Sustained government action — encompassing steep tax rises, plain packaging mandates, and expanded cessation support — has driven smoking rates to historically low levels.

According to findings from the Public Health Barometer France 2024, published in October 2025, France achieved a record decline in tobacco use. In 2024, 24% of adults aged 18 to 79 reported smoking, of whom 17.4% smoked every day — the lowest figure ever recorded since the survey was first launched nationally.

As recently as 2021, these proportions stood at 32% and 25% respectively. The downward trajectory reflects a consistent trend that began in 2016 following the introduction of national tobacco control plans. Contributing policies have included regular tax increases, plain packaging legislation, national awareness campaigns, the expansion of smoke-free zones, and reimbursement of smoking cessation treatments.

Men remain more likely to smoke than women (19.7% compared to 15.3%), and daily smoking is most concentrated among people aged 30 to 59, declining substantially beyond the age of 60.

France introduced a sweeping indoor smoking ban in workplaces and most public spaces in 2007, which was extended to cafés, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in January 2008 — bringing French law broadly into line with similar restrictions introduced elsewhere in the EU. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and within hospital grounds. Open-air terrace seating at cafés and restaurants continues to permit smoking, which may surprise visitors from countries such as Ireland, the UK, or Australia where outdoor hospitality settings are also smoke-free.

In 2023, 29% of adults with lower levels of formal education smoked daily, against 17% among those with higher education — a social gap in smoking rates considerably wider than the EU average. This educational gradient is a key dimension of health inequality in France.

E-cigarettes and vaping products are legally sold in France but subject to regulation. Vaping is banned in the same enclosed locations where smoking is prohibited. Nicotine replacement therapies are available at pharmacies and, since 2019, are partially reimbursed through the national health insurance system when prescribed by a doctor.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in France?

France is frequently held up as a model of healthy eating — long, unhurried meals, abundant fresh produce, and the celebrated “French paradox” of comparatively low cardiovascular disease rates despite a diet high in saturated fats. The true picture is more complex, and while France’s obesity rates remain lower than those of many peer nations, excess weight is a growing public health challenge.

The OECD has highlighted that France outperforms the OECD average on obesity measures, with self-reported obesity prevalence at roughly 14%. This compares favourably to the OECD average of around 19%, and is substantially lower than figures recorded in the United States (where obesity rates surpass 40%) or the United Kingdom (around 26%).

A study by the French Ministry of Health found that 17% of the adult population is obese, representing over 8 million individuals. Obesity is a major contributor to the country’s most prevalent conditions — cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes — and also carries psychological and social consequences, including depression.

Obesity is bound up with deep-seated social inequalities: from the age of six, children of manual workers are four times more likely to be obese than children of managerial professionals. This socioeconomic dimension to weight and diet is a recurring concern in French public health policy.

The OECD also identifies France as having above-average per capita alcohol consumption at 10.4 litres, compared to an OECD average of 8.5 litres. This confirms that alcohol, alongside tobacco, is one of the main drivers of preventable disease in France, particularly cancers and liver conditions.

In 2021, France joined six other European countries — Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland — in adopting the unified Nutri-Score food labelling system. A revised calculation methodology was introduced in 2025 to reflect advances in nutritional science and better meet the needs of all participating countries. The Nutri-Score label appears on a wide range of packaged products in French supermarkets, offering shoppers a colour-coded guide to nutritional quality at a glance.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in France?

Mental health represents an area where France, in common with many countries, faces both cultural and structural difficulties. While awareness has grown in recent years, access to services — particularly within the public psychiatric system — can be limited, and cultural approaches to mental health may differ from what some expats are accustomed to.

Historically, there has been a degree of social stigma around mental health conditions in France, and the country’s healthcare culture has leaned more heavily towards psychiatry as a medical specialism than towards broader psychological or talking therapies. In countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK, there is greater emphasis on psychological interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety. In France, psychiatric medication has more commonly been the initial clinical response.

Neurotic and mood disorders account for 3.7% of national health insurance expenditure, while psychotic disorders represent a further 2.8%. Spending on neurotic and mood disorders increased by €861 million between 2015 and 2019, reflecting a rising number of patients seeking care — a trend that points to growing demand for mental health services.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 25 in France, after road accidents. This has generated considerable national debate and prompted substantial government investment in youth mental health provision.

Public mental health services are accessed through the general healthcare system, typically beginning with a visit to a GP (médecin généraliste), who can issue a referral to a psychiatrist. In some areas, waiting times for public psychiatric appointments can be lengthy — a challenge not unique to France but shared by many universal healthcare systems. Private psychologists and therapists are available in most cities, though their fees are generally not covered by the state insurance scheme; a supplementary insurance plan (mutuelle) may offer partial reimbursement.

For expats, the language barrier can present a real practical obstacle when seeking mental health support. A number of organisations and practitioners offer therapy in languages other than French, including English. The International Association for Suicide Prevention maintains a directory of crisis support centres. Within France, the national mental health crisis line 3114 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by trained mental health professionals.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in France?

France does not present the dramatic health risk contrasts associated with relocating to a tropical or developing country, but expats should still plan carefully around a number of particular health considerations, both before and after their move.

Climate adjustment: France has a diverse climate. Southern regions experience hot, dry summers, while the north and west are temperate and often wet. The Alps and Pyrenees bring harsh winters and altitude-related health considerations. Expats with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions should be aware that summer heatwaves in France can reach extreme severity — the 2003 event caused an estimated 15,000 excess deaths — and that official heat-health alerts (canicule warnings) are issued by Santé publique France during dangerous heat episodes.

Registering with a doctor: One of the most important practical steps for any expat is to register with a local GP (médecin traitant) as promptly as possible after arriving. Under France’s national health insurance system (l’Assurance Maladie), having a nominated GP is essential both for obtaining specialist referrals and for receiving the maximum reimbursement on medical costs. Patients who have not registered a médecin traitant can still access medical care, but may face higher out-of-pocket expenses.

Health screenings: Expats arriving from countries that operate different screening schedules should review which preventive tests they may be overdue for. France runs national screening programmes for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer, and expats should enrol in these once registered with the health insurance system. Breast and colorectal cancer screening participation in France has remained below EU averages, making it particularly important for individuals to actively take up the available programmes.

Language: Healthcare in France is conducted primarily in French, and while doctors in major cities may have some command of other European languages, this cannot be assumed in smaller towns or rural areas. Building a basic medical vocabulary in French — or identifying a reliable interpreter — is a sensible preparation for expat life.

Health insurance coverage: EU/EEA nationals can initially use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but all long-term residents will need to enrol in France’s state health insurance scheme (l’Assurance Maladie) via the Ameli platform. Non-EU nationals should arrange private health insurance until they qualify for the state system. A supplementary insurance plan (mutuelle) is strongly advisable, as the state scheme typically covers only a proportion of medical costs.

Mental health and relocation stress: The psychological demands of moving abroad — acquiring a new language, establishing social connections, navigating unfamiliar bureaucratic systems — can weigh on mental wellbeing. Connecting with expat communities, cultural organisations, or professional support in the early months of settling in can make a meaningful difference to how smoothly the transition unfolds.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in France?

Knowing which sources to trust for accurate and current health information is vital for anyone relocating to France. The French health system is thoroughly documented online, and several official bodies provide guidance in multiple languages.

1. Santé publique France — The national public health agency, responsible for disease surveillance, health promotion campaigns, and public health data. Visit santepubliquefrance.fr for epidemiological reports, health alerts, and vaccination guidance.
2. Ameli (l’Assurance Maladie) — The official portal for France’s national health insurance system. Expats can use ameli.fr to register for health coverage, locate a GP, understand reimbursement rates, and access health records via the Mon Espace Santé platform.
3. Ministère de la Santé — France’s Ministry of Health publishes official policy documents, vaccination schedules, and healthcare system information at sante.gouv.fr.
4. WHO France Country Profile — The World Health Organization publishes key health statistics and country profiles for France at data.who.int/countries/250. This is a valuable reference for those wishing to compare French health data with other countries.
5. OECD Health Profiles — The OECD publishes annual “State of Health in the EU” country profiles covering France, offering detailed comparable data on health outcomes, risk factors, and healthcare performance. Available at oecd.org/health.
6. Your home country’s travel health authority — Before relocating to France, check the travel health guidance issued by your home country’s official health or foreign affairs ministry for up-to-date vaccination recommendations and any country-specific advisories.
7. SOS Médecins — A nationwide out-of-hours GP service offering home visit consultations. Particularly useful for expats who have not yet registered with a permanent GP. Local services can be found at sosmedecins.fr.

Health guidelines, vaccination requirements, and reimbursement rules are subject to change. Always verify current information with official sources both before and after moving to France. For guidance tailored to your individual health circumstances, consult a qualified medical professional in France.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in France

Is France a safe country from a health perspective for expats?

Yes, France is generally considered a safe and healthy destination for expats. The overall health of the French population is good, life expectancy continues to rise, and the French health system provides broad access to high-quality care. The most important practical steps are registering with a GP, obtaining appropriate health insurance coverage, and ensuring your vaccinations are up to date.

Do I need any vaccinations before moving to France?

No vaccinations are legally required to take up residence in France. However, it is strongly advisable to ensure you are current with standard vaccines — including those for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella — before you arrive. Consult your home country’s official travel health authority and Santé publique France for the most up-to-date schedule. Expats who plan outdoor activities in forested areas of the northeast, such as Alsace, should discuss tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination with their doctor.

Is tap water safe to drink in France?

Yes. Tap water throughout mainland France is safe to drink and complies with EU water quality standards. In isolated rural locations or older buildings, quality can occasionally vary — if uncertain, your local mairie (town hall) can advise on the standard of water in your area. Bottled water is widely available for those who prefer it.

How does France’s smoking culture compare to other countries?

In 2024, 24% of adults in France reported smoking tobacco, including 17.4% who smoked daily — the lowest figure ever recorded in national surveys. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, workplaces, and on public transport. Outdoor café terraces remain common smoking areas, which may appear more permissive than rules in some other European countries. Overall, however, France’s tobacco control approach has grown considerably more stringent over the past decade.

What is the biggest cause of death in France?

Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the principal causes of death in France. In 2019, these two conditions exerted the greatest burden, accounting for approximately 3.83 million and 2.31 million DALYs respectively. Both are closely associated with lifestyle risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet.

Is mental health care accessible in France for expats?

Mental health care is available through France’s universal health insurance system, with access typically initiated through a GP referral to a psychiatrist. Waiting times within the public system can be lengthy in some areas. Private psychologists and therapists are broadly available, especially in cities, and a number offer sessions in languages other than French. The costs of private therapy are not always covered by state insurance, so it is advisable to check your mutuelle (supplementary insurance) policy. The national mental health crisis line 3114 operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is Lyme disease a risk in France?

Yes. Lyme disease, spread through tick bites, is present across many parts of France, particularly in forested and rural settings. The highest-risk areas include the northeast (notably Alsace), parts of Brittany, and the Massif Central. Key preventive measures include wearing long sleeves and trousers in woodland, applying insect repellent, and checking carefully for ticks after time outdoors. If you notice a bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans) following a tick bite, seek medical advice without delay.

How does France’s obesity rate compare internationally?

France performs above the OECD average on obesity indicators, with self-reported obesity prevalence at around 14% — lower than many comparable high-income nations. Nevertheless, obesity rates have been climbing steadily and the burden falls disproportionately on lower-income and less-educated groups. France’s Nutri-Score food labelling system, visible on most packaged supermarket products, is designed to help consumers make more informed nutritional choices.