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Healthcare in France: cost & waiting times

Statutory health insurance

Statutory health insurance (Assurance Maladie) reimburses most of the cost of care; a top-up 'mutuelle' covers the rest. You pay the provider and are reimbursed, or the Carte Vitale settles the state share directly.

Emergency number: 112 (SAMU medical 15)

How residents get care

  1. Declare a 'médecin traitant' — Register a primary doctor with Assurance Maladie to get full reimbursement rates.
  2. Book directly or via Doctolib — Most GPs and specialists take online bookings. You can see many specialists without a referral, but reimbursement is higher on the coordinated pathway.
  3. Pay and get reimbursed — Base reimbursement is ~70% of the set tariff for a GP; the mutuelle covers most of the remainder.

Official waiting-time source

France has short waits for most care. 'Medical deserts' (rural GP shortages) are the main access problem.

No national waiting-time register; access is generally fast ↗

MilestoneReference
GP appointment3 days (~0w)
Specialist appointment21 days (~3w)

Typical private costs

Typical self-pay prices — for an exact figure use the official links above or ask a clinic for a written quote.

ItemTypical range
GP consultation (tariff)€26–€30
Specialist consultation€30–€60
MRI€250–€400
Private hip replacement€8,000–€12,000

Prescriptions

Prescription medicines are reimbursed 15–100% depending on the drug's assessed benefit; the mutuelle covers most of the rest. A €0.50–1 per-box contribution is not reimbursed.

Visiting France?

EHIC covers necessary state care; you pay upfront and reclaim ~70% from the local CPAM or on return.

Emergencies Call 15 (SAMU) or 112. Hospitals treat emergencies; you'll be billed and can reclaim.

Official links

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