Basic coverage of healthcare costs

French National Health Insurance is part of the social security system. It reimburses a portion of healthcare costs and pays certain benefits, including payments during sick leave, when the eligibility conditions are met.

CPAM, Vitale card and supplementary health insurance

Under the general scheme, the local health insurance fund (CPAM) manages entitlements and reimbursements, among other things. The Vitale card makes it easier to transmit the information needed to cover healthcare costs. Supplementary health insurance may reimburse some of the remaining out-of-pocket costs, depending on the policy.

Remember: being covered by French National Health Insurance does not mean that all healthcare is completely free.