If you hold a European Health Insurance Card (CEAM) issued by the health service of your country and which covers the duration of your stay in France, you are exempt from the French social security system. However, you must present proof of your CEAM at the Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie (CPAM) of your place of residence in France, where they will pay for your healthcare costs.
If you do not hold a European Health Insurance Card (CEAM), joining the French social security system is compulsory and for those aged between 16 and 28, there is a charge. If you are older than 28, contact the CPAM of your place of residence in France for details of your social security payment.
Caisse primaire d'assurance maladie (CPAM)
Website: www.ameli.fr
Specific information for:
Before registering for university, you must go to the CROUS who will give you a certificate confirming your grant which sets out the practical details of signing up for social security in France. You should then present this certificate when you register.
Please note: if you arrive in France before 01/10/2010, there are specific requirements concerning the payment of your healthcare costs (both social security and insurance). Find information from the student insurance companies LMDE or MGEL.
LMDE
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 92 54 85
Website: www.lmde.com
MGEL
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 60 26 26
Website: www.mgel.fr