Although in France the state picks up the vast majority of healthcare charges, households remain responsible for a small proportion of their treatment costs.

These costs are met either directly from their pocket or through a voluntary health insurance policy, called assurance complémentaire santé, colloquially known as a 'mutuelle'.

However, for households on a low or modest income the state has its own mutuelle, called the Complémentaire Santé Solidaire (CSS).

Those eligible for the CSS may get 100% free health care, although some households pay a small monthly fixed contribution.

The income thresholds for the CSS have been revised recently, meaning that a couple on an annual income of around €20,000 would be entitled to the CSS.

The government estimates that around 11 million households are eligible, but that more than 3 million fail to apply.

Our updated guide to the CSS can be found at

<a href="https://www.french-property.com/guides/france/public-services/health/assistance-with-health-costs

">Assistance with Health Costs.

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