If you are a European scientist, all your healthcare administrative procedures should be carried out at your nearest CPAM.
As soon as you arrive, you need to file an application for health insurance entitlement with your nearest CPAM.
Download the factsheet “Getting a social security number – European research scientist”
As soon as your file is received, the CPAM will create your social security number and within approx. one month, will send you an “entitlement document” (attestation de droit).
You need to provide this document to healthcare professionals in order to receive the partial reimbursement of your healthcare costs.
The coverage will start on the first day of your working contract.
Within approximately 3 months, your social security number will be certified and you will receive the form enabling you to order your Carte Vitale, which will digitalize your entitlement document and enable your healthcare reimbursements to be made electronically.
You will also need to declare your "Médecin traitant" on a form sent directly to you by the CPAM. The "Médecin traitant" is the General Practicioner doctor you will have to contact first. If needed, it will be his/her duty to refer you to a specialist.
To find out more about how health insurance works in France, click here.
Spouses of employed European research scientists and their children aged over 18 can also enjoy French Universal Health Cover after residing in France for 3 months.
They must also file an application for entitlement to health insurance with your nearest CPAM.
It is important to check that your family has health cover either from insurance from your home country or by taking out a private insurance policy for the first 3 months of their stay in France.