Health Insurance in France for Spanish-Speaking Expats

For many Spanish-speaking expats—whether from Spain or Latin America—moving to France is a big step toward a better life. But beyond learning the language and adapting to a new culture, one of the biggest challenges is understanding how healthcare works in France.

France is known for having one of the best public healthcare systems in the world. However, registering correctly and getting the right coverage can be confusing, especially if you're not fluent in French. That’s why we’ve created this complete guide focused specifically on Latinos and Spaniards who need practical, accurate, and accessible information.

Why Health Insurance Is Essential in France

In France, health insurance is mandatory for virtually everyone:

• Employees
• Students
• Self-employed individuals
• Retirees
• Undocumented migrants (with special programs like AME)

Without it, you'll either be denied access to care or forced to pay the full cost of medical treatment, which can be very expensive.

🏥 Overview of the French Healthcare System

France’s public health system is called PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie), and it’s available to anyone who has been living in France for more than 3 months continuously. Once registered, the government reimburses about 70% of most medical expenses. But that still leaves a portion that you must pay yourself—unless you have a private health insurance plan (called a mutuelle).

Here’s how it typically works:

Coverage Type	Who Pays It?	What It Covers
PUMA (Public)	Government (via CPAM)	Doctor visits, hospital care, tests
Mutuelle (Private)	You / Employer	Remaining costs not reimbursed by CPAM

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Needs to Apply?

If you're:

• A student from Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, or Spain
• A worker or freelancer who recently moved to France
• A dependent joining family already living in France
• Or a migrant without legal papers (yes, there’s help for you too!)

…you must register with the French healthcare system to get access to doctors, specialists, and hospitals.

🧾 How to Register for Public Health Insurance (PUMA)

To apply for PUMA, you’ll generally need:

1. Proof of residence in France (at least 3 months)
2. A valid passport or ID
3. Birth certificate (with official translation if not in French)
4. Proof of income or activity (student ID, work contract, etc.)
5. A completed Form S1106 (Demande d’ouverture des droits)

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a Numéro de Sécurité Sociale (Social Security Number), and later your Carte Vitale—the green card used at all health appointments.

🔒 Why You Also Need a “Mutuelle”

Even with PUMA, you will still have to cover part of your medical costs. A mutuelle (complementary insurance) helps with:

• Hospital stays
• Dental care
• Optical treatments
• Medication not fully covered by CPAM

Many people mistakenly think public coverage is enough, but without a mutuelle, unexpected medical bills can become a serious burden.

🌎 The Challenge for Spanish Speakers in France

Unfortunately, most of the official websites and documents are only in French. That creates a huge barrier for many newcomers who speak Spanish as their first language.

But don’t worry—there are excellent resources created by and for the Spanish-speaking community in France.

👉 One of the most complete and up-to-date is:

tramitesfrancia.com/seguros

This site offers step-by-step guides in Spanish to help you:

• Understand the French healthcare system
• Compare mutuelles and private insurance plans
• Get help even if you’re undocumented or new in the country

It’s written in plain Spanish, with a practical tone, and constantly updated based on real experiences of Latinos and Spaniards living in France.

🆘 Special Cases: AME and Free Medical Help

If you don’t have legal residence in France, you might still be eligible for Aide Médicale de l’État (AME)—a special program that provides free or low-cost healthcare to undocumented migrants.

To apply, you’ll need:

• Proof of living in France for at least 3 months
• Passport or ID (if possible)
• Proof of low or no income
• A completed AME form

Again, tramitesfrancia.com/seguros explains this process in detail, in Spanish.

✅ Final Tips for Latinos and Spaniards in France

1. Start early: Begin your registration as soon as you arrive in France.
2. Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to use Spanish-speaking resources.
3. Save all your documents: Bureaucracy in France can be slow, and papers get lost.
4. Get a mutuelle: It’s worth the extra cost and saves you money long-term.
5. Stay informed: French health laws change often—make sure you’re up to date.