How do you register for French health insurance?

Yes, another administrative task! But this one is about your health 💙 Registering with the French public health insurance system, known as Assurance Maladie, is free and allows you to get part of your healthcare expenses reimbursed. Here’s how to do it, step by step! ✨

1. Check whether you need to register

Coming to France to study? Complete this process as soon as you arrive and have received your enrolment certificate from a higher education institution.

Please note: some situations have special rules. If you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland and hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid until the end of the academic year, you generally do not need to register on the international student portal.

Specific arrangements also apply to students covered by certain international agreements, particularly those involving Quebec, Monaco or Andorra. Check the requirements for your situation on ameli.fr, in English.

2. Apply online

1. Visit the official international student website, available in English.
2. Enter details about your situation and follow the instructions.
3. Fill in your personal information, your address in France and your contact details.
4. Upload the requested supporting documents.
5. Follow the instructions to create your personal account and complete your application.

You should prepare the following documents:

• An identity document.
• Your enrolment certificate for the current academic year.
• Your residence document, depending on your situation.
• A civil status document, such as a birth certificate showing your parents’ details.
• A RIB —a bank account details document— or an IBAN to receive your reimbursements.

The exact list depends on your situation and country of origin. You can find more information, including the required documents, on the official French health insurance page in English.

3. Track your application in your personal account

Log in to your international student account.

You can use it to complete your application, upload missing documents or replace documents that have been rejected. Once you are affiliated with the French health insurance system, you can download your temporary certificate of entitlement, called an attestation provisoire de droits.

Processing times can vary: receiving your certificate within three weeks is not guaranteed. Check your account and any messages you receive regularly.

If you have trouble registering, contact Assurance Maladie on 09 74 75 36 46 from France, or +33 9 74 75 36 46 from abroad. You can also request assistance in English.

4. Complete your application and get your permanent number

Send any additional documents requested as soon as possible. Once your civil status documents have been checked and your social security number has been certified, you can download your final certificate of entitlement.

Your temporary number does not yet allow you to create an ameli account or obtain a Vitale card. However, it does allow your healthcare expenses to be covered according to your recognised entitlement.

Once you receive your permanent number, you can:

• Create your ameli account. The account portal is in French.
• Apply for your Vitale card by following the instructions you receive.
• Track your reimbursements and download your certificates.

💡 You can register your regular doctor, known as your médecin traitant, as soon as you are affiliated, without waiting for your Vitale card. Ask your doctor about it during an appointment!