EURAXESS : Health Insurance for PhD-Students and Researchers

In France, Health Insurance is mandatory for students and for people employed in France. It is also accessible to visiting PhD students and researchers for stays of more than 6 months.

Also called “Sécurité Sociale” and “Assurance Maladie”, this public body is managed by various health insurance funds, such as CPAM and MGEN.

The Caisses d’Assurance Maladie (health insurance funds) cover a portion of healthcare costs, with the remainder partly reimbursed by a “complementary health insurance” or “mutuelle”, which is optional and subject to a monthly fee.

Depending on your nationality, status and situation, you will need to take different steps to join the French health insurance system.

l’assurance

Maladie


Apply for the French Health Insurance

YOU ARE A CITIZEN OF AN EEA* COUNTRY OR SWITZERLAND:

(27 EU member states + Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein)

Scroll down the situation that best corresponds to your own case in order to obtain more details. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact your EURAXESS Center : drie-euraxess-contact@univ-lorraine.fr.

PHD STUDENT ENROLLED in a higher education or research establishment IN FRANCE, either with a scholarship or self-funded, WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

You are in possession of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by an EU/EEA country exempts you from having to apply for the French Health Insurance. The EHIC is individual, nominative and free, and must cover at least the whole of the current academic year. Remember to request it from the social welfare agency in your country of residence before you leave, and to renew it if necessary.

This card will enable you to claim reimbursement of your health expenses in France under the same conditions and at the same rates as in your country of residence.

To request reimbursement for your health expenses in France, you must send the following documents to the CPAM in your place of residence:

  • Copy of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) (or provisional certificate)
  • Proof of residence in France
  • Copy of your valid passport or ID (both sides)
  • Certificate of enrollment for the current university year
  • “Feuille de soins papier“ (Paper medical treatment form)
  • IBAN (International Bank Account Number)
  • Attestation on honor stating that you remain financially dependent on your parents.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

Remember to check the validity dates of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you arrive in France.

You have an S1 form

If you have an S1 form, you must send your application by post to your local CPAM.

The following documents are required:

  • Nominative certificate of enrollment, issued when you register with the university. It must specify the period of enrollment and university year.
  • Copy of your valid passport or ID (both sides)
  • Proof of residence in France
  • Form S1 issued by the social welfare agency in your country of residence
  • Proof of civil status in original language: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation, family record book, marriage certificate
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

You do not have an EHIC or S1 form

If you have neither an EHIC nor an S1 form, you can apply for French Health insurance on the portal: https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/#/. Your request will be forwarded to the CPAM in your place of residence in France.

The following documents are required:

  • Nominative certificate of enrollment, issued when you register with the university. It must specify the period of enrollment and university year.
  • Copy of your valid passport or ID (both sides)
  • Proof of residence in France
  • Proof of resources downloadable from Ameli.fr, duly completed and signed
  • Proof of civil status in original language: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation, family record book, marriage certificate
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

PHD STUDENT or RESEARCHER EMPLOYED by a university or another research institution IN FRANCE

You do not have a Social Security number in France

Your employer will register you with MGEN if you live in Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55) or Vosges (88), or with the local CPAM if you live in Moselle (57).

Please contact the Human Resources manager in charge of your application to request confirmation.

You already have a Social Security number in France

If you have already obtained a definitive Social Security number (NIR) during a previous stay in France, you will need to request the reactivation of your rights or the updating of your situation from the MGEN if you live in Meurthe-et-Moselle (54), Meuse (55) or Vosges (88), or from the local CPAM if you live in Moselle (57).

To do so, you will need to complete a paper application to be sent to your local Caisse d’Assurance Maladie (MGEN or CPAM, depending on your département of residence), along with the following documents:

  • Cerfa 15763*02 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of your valid passport or ID (both sides)
  • Proof of civil status in original language: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation, family record book, marriage certificate
  • Copy of your employment contract and your 1st payslip
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to MGEN.fr to find the address of your local MGEN or to Ameli.fr (enter the zip code of your place of residence in France) to find the address of your local CPAM.

VISITING PHD STUDENT or RESEARCHER (PhD student NOT enrolled in France/researcher NOT employed in France)

With a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you don’t need to apply for the French Health insurance system. The EHIC is individual, nominative and free, and must cover the duration of your stay in France.

Remember to request it from the social welfare agency in your country of residence before you leave, and to renew it if necessary.

This card will enable you to claim reimbursement of your health expenses in France under the same conditions and at the same rates as in your country of residence.

Remember to check the validity dates of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you arrive in France.

SPOUSE of a PhD student or a researcher (either ENROLLED, EMPLOYED or INVITED in France)

You are the spouse of a PhD student or a researcher either enrolled, employed or invited in France, and are of EU/EEA/Swiss nationality

You are coming to France for a STAY OF LESS THAN 1 YEAR

A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by an EU/EEA country exempts you from having to apply for the French Health Insurance. The EHIC is individual, nominative and free, and must cover the whole period of your stay in France. Remember to request it from the social welfare agency in your country of residence before you leave, and to renew it if necessary.

This card will enable you to claim reimbursement of your health expenses in France under the same conditions and at the same rates as in your country of residence.

Remember to check the validity dates of your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you arrive in France.

You are coming to France for a STAY OF MORE THAN 1 YEAR

It is possible to benefit from the French Health Insurance under the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) scheme, in order to be reimbursed on the basis of the French Social Security scheme.

You will need to complete a paper application form and send it to the Caisse d’Assurance Maladie in your place of residence, along with the following documents:

  • Cerfa 15763*02 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of your valid passport or ID (both sides)
  • Proof of civil status in original language: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation, family record book, marriage certificate
  • Proof of residence showing that you have been living in France on a stable and regular basis for more than 3 months
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

Please note:

  • If you are a student in France, you can apply for the French Health Insurance at: https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/.
  • If you are employed in France, please contact your employer to find out which procedure best suits your situation.

You are the spouse of a PhD student or a researcher either enrolled, employed or invited in France, and you are of non-European nationality

It is possible to benefit from the French Health Insurance under the Protection Universelle Maladie (PUMA) scheme, in order to be reimbursed on the basis of the French Social Security scheme.

You will need to complete a paper application form and send it to the Caisse d’Assurance Maladie in your place of residence, along with the following documents:

  • Cerfa 15763*02 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of your valid passport
  • Valid VLS-TS or residence permit
  • Proof of civil status in original language: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation, family record book, marriage certificate
  • Proof of residence showing that you have been living in France on a stable and regular basis for more than 3 months
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

Please note:

  • If you are a student in France, you can apply for the French Health Insurance at: https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/.
  • If you are employed in France, please contact your employer to find out which procedure best suits your situation.

Affiliation of MINOR CHILD(REN) with the French Health Insurance system

If you have come to France with one or more minor children, you can apply to your health insurance fund (MGEN or CPAM, depending on the case) for your dependent minor children to be attached to your health insurance, if you or your spouse have open rights.

To do so, you will need to complete a paper application to be sent to your local Caisse d’Assurance Maladie (MGEN or CPAM, depending on your département of residence), along with the following documents:

  • Cerfa 14445*02 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of your valid passport or ID (both sides) if the child is of EU/EEA nationality
  • Proof of civil status in original language: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to MGEN.fr to find the address of your local MGEN or to Ameli.fr (enter the zip code of your place of residence in France) to find the address of your local CPAM.


YOU ARE a citizen of a non-European country

Scroll down the situation that best corresponds to your own case in order to obtain more details. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact your EURAXESS Center : drie-euraxess-contact@univ-lorraine.fr.

PHD STUDENT ENROLLED in a higher education or research establishment IN FRANCE, either with a scholarship or self-funded, WITH A “STUDENT“ STATUS, WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

If you are a PhD student with a scholarship or self-funded, enrolled in a higher education or research establishment in France, of non-European nationality and holding a “Student” VLS-TS or residence permit, you can apply for affiliation to the French health insurance scheme via the portal: https://etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr/#/ if you do not yet have any rights opened in France. You will then be affiliated to the CPAM in your place of residence.

The following documents are required:

  • Nominative certificate of enrollment, issued when you register with the university. It must specify the period of enrollment and university year.
  • Copy of your valid passport
  • “Student“ visa
  • “Student“ residence permit or confirmation of validation of your VLS-TS or recepisse of application for a “Student“ residence permit
  • Proof of civil status in original language: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation, family record book, marriage certificate
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

Please note: This procedure does not apply to you if you are a PhD student employed in France (doctoral contract, CIFRE, ATER…).

PHD STUDENT or RESEARCHER EMPLOYED in France, with a “Talent RESEARCHER“ or “Scientifique-Chercheur“ status

If you are a PhD student or researcher employed by a higher education or research establishment in France, of non-European nationality, and have obtained a hosting agreement to apply for a visa/residence permit under the “Talent Researcher” or “Scientifique-Chercheur” status (for Algerian nationals), the procedure will differ if you have already obtained a Social Security number in France during a previous stay, or if this is your first affiliation.

You do not have a Social Security number in France

If you have never obtained a Social Security number in France, your employer will proceed to your affiliation with the CPAM of Paris if you hold a “Talent Researcher” visa or residence permit and are employed in France.

You will need to send in the documents required to complete your application file, which will be requested by the HR manager in charge of your file.

Please contact the Human Resources manager in charge of your file to request confirmation.

You already have a Social Security number in France

Your previous Social Security rights in France have been closed

You have obtained a definitive Social Security number (NIR) or a provisional Social Security number (NIA) during a previous stay in France, and your Social Security rights have been closed: you need to apply for new rights directly to the CPAM of Paris if you hold a visa or residence permit with “Talent Researcher” status and are employed in France, or to the local CPAM if you hold a Certificat de Résidence pour Algérien (CRA) with “Scientifique-Chercheur” status.

You will find below the procedure for sending your application, depending on your status.

“Talent Researcher” status

  • Cerfa 15763*02 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of your valid passport
  • Copy of valid VLS-TS or residence permit with Talent Researcher status
  • Copy of your employment contract or 1st payslip or hosting agreement (except for CIFRE contracts: provide employment contract and payslip)
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

CPAM de Paris
TSA 99998
75948 PARIS CEDEX 19

or online on the Dépôt Doc CPAM 75 website.

“Scientifique-Chercheur” status

You will need to complete a paper application and send it to the CPAM in your place of residence.
Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

This application must be accompanied by the following documents:

  • Cerfa 15763*02 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of your valid passport
  • Copy of valid residence permit with Scientifique-Chercheur status
  • Copy of your employment contract or 1st payslip or hosting agreement (except for CIFRE contracts: provide employment contract and payslip)
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please go to Ameli.fr and enter the zip code of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

Your Social Security rights in France are open (valid)

“Talent Researcher“ Status

This application must be accompanied by the following documents:

  • Cerfa 750 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of your valid passport
  • Copy of valid VLS-TS or residence permit with Talent Researcher status
  • Copy of your employment contract or 1st payslip or hosting agreement (except for CIFRE contracts: provide employment contract and payslip)
  • A Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB) or IBAN (International Bank Account Number) in your name. We strongly recommend that you open a bank account in France to facilitate reimbursements.

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

CPAM de Paris
TSA 99998
75948 PARIS CEDEX 19

or online on the Dépôt Doc CPAM 75 website.

FAQ : Workshop
Paris CPAM Transfer
January 18th 2024

“Scientifique-Chercheur“ Status

INVITED PHD STUDENT or RESEARCHER (not enrolled in France, not employed in France), WITH A RESEARCH GRANT

You are coming for a STAY OF LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 6 MONTHS in France

You are coming for a STAY OF MORE THAN 6 MONTHS in France

Be sure to supply good-quality photocopies.

Please visit the website Ameli.fr and enter the postcode of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

SPOUSE of a PhD student or researcher, with “TALENT FAMILLE“ or “CONJOINT DE SCIENTIFIQUE“ Status

You are the non-European SPOUSE of a PhD student or researcher with a “Talent Chercheur“ or “Scientifique-Chercheur“ status EMPLOYED IN FRANCE

“Conjoint de Scientifique“ status

  • Proof of civil status in the original language, accompanied by a translation: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation, family record book
  • Copy of your marriage certificate
  • Copy of the hosting agreement and of your spouse’s residence permit “Scientifique-Chercheur“

Please visit the website Ameli.fr and enter the postcode of your place of residence in France to find the address of your CPAM.

“Talent Famille“ status

  • Copy of your marriage certificate

CPAM de Paris
TSA 99998
75948 PARIS CEDEX 19

or online on the Dépôt Doc CPAM 75 website.

You are the non-European SPOUSE of a PhD student or researcher with a “Talent Chercheur“ or “Scientifique-Chercheur“ status INVITED IN FRANCE for a stay of more than 6 months

  • Copy of valid passport
  • Copy of your marriage certificate

Affiliation of MINOR CHILD(REN) with the French Health Insurance system

If you have come to France with one or more minor children, you can apply to your health insurance fund for your dependent minor children to be attached to your health insurance, if you or your spouse have open rights.

To do so, you will need to complete a paper application to be sent to your Caisse d’Assurance Maladie, along with the following documents:

  • Cerfa 14445*02 form downloadable from the Service Public website
  • Copy of each child’s valid passport
  • Proof of civil status in original language, accompanied by a translation: full copy of birth certificate, birth certificate with filiation

Once your application has been processed (online or on paper), you will receive a letter from the CPAM or MGEN (for European staff) within one month with a temporary number. This letter will also explain the procedure for obtaining your Health Insurance card (carte Vitale).

Please ensure that you always notify your administration department (Human Resources or the Administrative Manager of your laboratory) of your new address if you move. The address to which the CPAM letter will be sent is the address you provided when you applied for your online or paper application.


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