How Does the French Healthcare System Work?
France operates with a world-renowned universal healthcare system, provided via integrated public and private services, which enables almost all of the population to access treatment when they need it. The system is funded partly by obligatory social security contributions, deducted directly from employees’ salary, and partly by Government contributions.
While treatment is easily accessible, patients do still pay a small further contribution towards their healthcare costs in addition to their social security deductions. Typically, between 70% and 100% of healthcare costs are covered for treatments such as visits to the doctor and hospital treatment. Those on a low income or suffering from a long-term condition can expect to have 100% of their costs covered.
Until the end of 2017, healthcare providers were able to charge for treatment upfront. They now receive payment directly from the Government or one of the non-profit insurers that covers public healthcare costs in the country.