Access to Free Health Care
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.
Advice
If you seek professional advice concerning anything in this article contact our
Property Clinic and one of our advisors will get back to you.
