French Health Insurance (Ameli/CPAM) for International Students
Free 70% medical coverage for all international students — mandatory registration
All students in France, whether EU or non-EU citizens, are entitled to French health insurance coverage. The system is managed by PUMA (Protection Universelle MAladie — Universal Health Protection), which guarantees continuous health coverage to all residents in France. Registration is done with the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d'Assurance Maladie — Primary Health Insurance Fund) of your department via the dedicated portal for international students.
Health insurance reimburses approximately 70% of medical costs based on a reference rate. To cover the remaining costs, it is strongly recommended to take out complementary student health insurance (mutuelle).
Registering with the CPAM is an essential step upon arrival in France, as the delays for obtaining your social security number and Carte Vitale can range from 2 to 6 months. While waiting, you are not without coverage: a provisional rights certificate is issued to you.
Eligibility: EU and non-EU students — register in the first week
- All students (EU and non-EU) enrolled in a higher education institution in France
- EU students with an EHIC can use it temporarily but must register with the CPAM for full coverage
- Students on short-term exchanges (less than 3 months) may rely on home country insurance or the EHIC
Required documents
- Valid passport (scan of all completed pages)
- Valid visa or residence permit (for non-EU students — VLS-TS must be validated on ANEF)
- Proof of address in France (lease, accommodation certificate, or rent receipt — less than 3 months old)
- French RIB (bank account details) for reimbursements — must be in your name
- University enrollment certificate for the current academic year
- Birth certificate (with certified French translation if needed)
- Recent passport photo meeting French standards
Step-by-step procedure
Step 1: Go to etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr (not ameli.fr)
The portal for international students is https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr — different from the general ameli.fr. Using the wrong portal may result in your file being rejected or delayed.
Step 2: Create an account and upload documents
Create an account with your email, select your CPAM (based on your department), enter your personal and university information, and upload all required documents (PDF or JPEG, under 5 MB each).
Step 3: Receive your provisional number (NIA)
Within 2 to 4 weeks: you receive an NIA (provisional number) allowing you to access care while waiting for your permanent number.
Step 4: Receive your permanent social security number (NIR)
1 to 3 months later: the permanent 13-digit NIR arrives by post. This number is permanent and unique to you in France.
Step 5: Receive your Carte Vitale
3 to 6 weeks after your permanent number: the Carte Vitale arrives by post. While waiting, use the rights certificate from your ameli.fr account.
Step 6: Declare your GP (medecin traitant)
Choose a general practitioner as your medecin traitant via ameli.fr. This raises reimbursements from 30% to 70% — do not skip this step.
Medical reimbursement rates
| Type of care | CPAM reimbursement rate |
|---|---|
| GP consultation (sector 1) | 70% (on €26.50 base rate) |
| Specialist consultation (sector 1) | 70% (on €30 or €60 base rate) |
| Medications (white label) | 65% |
| Medications (blue label) | 30% |
| Public hospital stay | 80% (after daily fee) |
| Laboratory tests | 60% |
| Dental care (basic) | 70% |
For the remaining costs (approximately 30%): take out complementary student insurance (mutuelle) such as MGEN, SMERRA, LMDE, or Heyme. Average cost: €15 to €40/month.
Delay timeline: 2 to 6 months total
| Step | Estimated delay |
|---|---|
| File submission | Upon arrival in France |
| Provisional number (NIA) | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Permanent number (NIR) | 1 to 3 months |
| Carte Vitale sent | 3 to 6 weeks after NIR |
| Carte Vitale in hand | 2 to 6 months after arrival |