Cost of Healthcare in France for Expats: What My Family Actually Pays

One of the biggest concerns Americans have when moving to France is healthcare. I know it was one of mine.

France recently voted to introduce a contribution for non-working retirees and expats from outside the EU, but at the time of writing, the details of how this contribution will be calculated and collected haven't been published yet. Because of that uncertainty, I'll focus on what healthcare has actually cost my family after enrolling in the French healthcare system.

Health Insurance During Your First Year in France

When applying for a French long-stay visitor visa, you're required to carry one year of visa-compliant private health insurance.

I wrote a detailed comparison of the two providers I believe are best for Americans moving to France. You can read that guide here:

France Visa Compliant Health Insurance

Once you're registered with CPAM (the French healthcare agency), you'll transition into the public healthcare system and can choose a supplementary insurance policy called a mutuelle.

How Much Does a Mutuelle Cost?

Mutuelle plans typically range from about €30 to €200 per month per person, depending on your age and the level of coverage you want.

I personally chose a lower-tier plan because my family is relatively healthy, and neither my wife nor son wear glasses. However, with braces coming up for my son this fall, I'll probably upgrade to a higher level of coverage that better covers braces. The total cost is ~100€ a month for our family of 3.

For English-speaking expats, I've been happy with Feather, which is specifically tailored toward foreigners living in France. I wrote a full review here:

Feather Mutuelle Health Insurance for Expats in France

What Does a Doctor Visit Cost in France?

Recently, I took my son to our family doctor (médecin traitant) here in Rennes.

The consultation cost €30 total, not just a copay, but the entire cost of the visit.

French national healthcare (Assurance Maladie) reimbursed €21, and my mutuelle covered the remaining €9.

Our out-of-pocket cost: €0.

Coming from the United States, where I routinely paid over $150 just to see a doctor on my high deductible plan, that still amazes me.

Prescription Costs in France

Over the past year, my family has been prescribed:

• Allergy medication

• Pain medication

• Asthma medication

• Folic acid

I simply brought the prescriptions to the pharmacy, presented our Carte Vitale and mutuelle information, and paid nothing.

Even with our lower-tier supplementary insurance, our out-of-pocket cost was:

€0.

Blood Work Costs

Our doctor ordered blood work for everyone in the family.

We went to the laboratory, had the tests done, and after the reimbursements from Assurance Maladie and our mutuelle, the total cost for our family was:

€0.

Hospital and Physical Therapy Costs

Last winter, my wife unfortunately broke her wrist.

She went to the hospital, wore a cast for a month, and then attended physical therapy for six weeks.

After the French healthcare system and our mutuelle covered their portions, our total out-of-pocket cost for the hospital care and physical therapy was:

€0.

Had this happened while we were living in Texas, I can't imagine what the final bill would have looked like.

The Only Medical Expense We Paid

The only healthcare expense we actually paid out of pocket was for flu vaccines.

Because we aren't considered an at-risk population, neither the government nor our mutuelle covered them.

Even so, the vaccines cost only €20 per person.

Comparing Healthcare Costs: France vs. the United States

Before moving to France, we lived in Houston and had a high-deductible health insurance plan.

I remember paying:

• $280 for a podiatrist appointment.

• $150 for a routine doctor's visit when my son was sick.

Thankfully, nobody broke a bone while we were in the U.S., because I know we would have been looking at thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. A friend's child broke their arm in Houston and he told me his out of pocket was nearly $5,000 under his high-deductible plan!

The Biggest Benefit Isn't the Cost: It's the Peace of Mind

People often ask me if healthcare is cheaper in France.

For me, that's only part of the story.

The biggest difference is peace of mind.

I no longer worry that a trip to the emergency room or an unexpected injury could lead to a surprise bill worth thousands of dollars. Doctor visits, prescriptions, blood tests, hospital stays, and physical therapy have all been straightforward and affordable. If I am not feeling well, I no longer hesitate to go to the doctor as I know I will not end up with a large bill.

That peace of mind has been one of the biggest quality-of-life improvements since moving to France.

And honestly, that's something that's hard to put a price on.

My Best Money Life

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