France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world but it works completely differently from what Americans are used to. There’s no insurance card at the pharmacy, your doctor is often in a regular apartment, and a specialist visit can cost less than your US copay ever did.
These guides explain how the French healthcare system actually works for expats: how to enroll after your first three months, how to get your carte Vitale, how to choose the right mutuelle, and how to get the best reimbursements. Whether you’re just arriving or have been in France for years, you’ll find practical answers here.
French medical insurance
This guide explains how the French healthcare system works and how to navigate the system.
- Vocabulary
Diseases in French
This French glossary lists the most current illnesses (including kids diseases) with their English translations.
Apply for carte Vitale in 3 steps
Follow the instructions from this guide to enroll into the French healthcare system and obtain your carte Vitale.
French Pharmacy
French pharmacies are very different from American pharmacies and I’ll tell you how in this article.
What is carte Vitale?
This FAQ answers most questions about French Carte Vitale. What is it? Who is eligible? Read on and find out!
4 reasons to get a French mutuelle
Healthcare costs are much lower in France than in the U.S. Is it worth it getting a mutuelle?
Best mutuelle in France
This is a comprehensive guide to help you pick a top-up insurance in France. Learn how to read benefit charts to get the best mutuelle.
- Vocabulary
French glossary of health professionals
This French glossary of health professionals with their English translations will help you navigate the French Healthcare system.
- Vocabulary
Optic care in French
This French glossary contains terms related to vision. Use it when you visit your eye doctor.
Medical prescriptions in France
This articles covers all aspects of French medical prescriptions: what’s on it? Do they expire? Are they valid outside France?
- Vocabulary
French health insurance vocabulary
This is a French glossary of health insurance terms to help you understand the French healthcare system.
France Visa travel insurance
This article helps you find an affordable health insurance for your French long-stay visa.
- Vocabulary
Healthcare facilities in French
This French glossary contains healthcare facility terms. Increase your vocabulary today!
- Vocabulary
French glossary of medical tests
This French glossary of medical tests can help you understand medical tests written on a French prescription.
- Vocabulary
Medication terms in French
Learn the French translations of the different pharmaceutical forms with this glossary.
- Vocabulary
French medical terms at the doctor’s office
This is a list of French words and sentences to use during a doctor’s visit in France. Learn how to describe your symptoms.
Going to the doctor in France
This article tells you what to expect when you go to the doctor in France and how to make a doctor appointment.
French acronyms you should know
Learn the most common French acronyms organized by category.
Moving to France checklist
This comprehensive checklist is for Americans planning to relocate to France. It summarizes everything you need to think about before moving to France. Get started today!
- Vocabulary
Dental terms in French
This French glossary contains terms related to dental and oral care. Use it when you visit your dentist in France.
French VLS-TS visitor visa—Health insurance
This article delves into healthcare for Americans holding or applying for a French long-stay visitor visa. Can VLS-TS and VLS-T visitor visa holders get Carte vitale?
VocabularyTravel insurance terms in French
Use this glossary of French insurance vocabulary to better understand your French travel insurance policy.
Travel insurance for the USA
Do American expats in France need to get travel insurance for the U.S. when going back to visit? Are they covered by carte Vitale and mutuelle?
France quiz
It’s playtime! Let’s have some fun and test your knowledge of France in 20 trivia questions. Take the quiz!
