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France StudentHub
Health

Healthcare & Social Security

Registering for social security, understanding reimbursements, and knowing where to go when you are ill.

General information only — not official guidance. Rules change, so confirm with the official source before you act.

Guides

Key topics in healthcare & social security

Each guide follows the same pattern: summary, step-by-step sections, checklists, warnings and an official source with a verification date.

Registration
Student social security registration

The online registration route for international students and the documents usually needed.

Card
Carte Vitale

What it is, when it arrives and what to use while you wait.

Choosing a médecin traitant

Why declaring a referring doctor affects your reimbursement level.

Mutuelle (top-up insurance)

What complementary insurance covers and whether you need it.

Urgent
Emergencies and out-of-hours care

Which number to call, and when to use emergency services versus a pharmacy.

Mental health support

Campus services and subsidised consultation schemes for students.

Your checklist
  • Register for social security soon after arrival
  • Keep your temporary social security number safe
  • Declare a referring doctor
  • Compare one or two mutuelle offers
  • Save emergency numbers in your phone

Frequently asked

Keep going

Related guides

Sources & disclaimer

France Student Hub publishes general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace an official decision from an administration, consulate or institution. Every page shows when it was last checked and links to the official source so you can verify before you act.

If a rule affects your status, confirm it with the relevant official body or a qualified professional before you act on it.