The deputies voted for the principle of contributions for non-European foreigners, in order to benefit from coverage of their health costs.
This phenomenon is not necessarily known to the general public: American retirees settle on the Côte d’Azur or in Western France to enjoy the French way of life and… free medical care.
But this weekend, lawmakers voted for an amendment to the Social Security budget that provides, precisely, for non-European citizens to pay contributions to claim reimbursement for their care costs in France. We take stock.
Where does this possibility come from?
This was a highly technical reform that went relatively unnoticed at the time. The Touraine law, on January 1, 2016, created “universal health coverage” (Puma). The aim is to ensure health coverage for every person of French or foreign citizenship, with the only requirement being to reside in the national territory for at least three months. Therefore, from now on, it is no longer necessary to work, be a student, be unemployed, retire or depend on a partner or parents to be covered by social security.
An additional effect: foreign retirees living in France on long-term visas can now also take steps to obtain Carte Vitale and be reimbursed for consultations, treatment and hospital stays.
Do many foreigners benefit from it?
American citizens who come to settle in France generally find it possible to join Health Insurance after arriving there. “I arrived in France on October 1, 2024, I applied for my Carte Vitale on January 2, 2025 and I received it on May 1,” Chris reported for example, a few months ago, in the “Retire in France” group, prompting interested comments as well as heart-shaped and thumbs-up emojis. “France does not set any prerequisites and does not ask you to provide your medical history,” marvels the American, who presents herself as a former hospital nurse.
But now, the possibility of obtaining Carte Vitale goes beyond word of mouth between expatriate candidates and Facebook groups of Anglo-Saxon retirees based in France. The reason is that in recent months, the American media has begun to take an interest in the mode of operation of French Social Security.
However, the exact number of foreign nationals who benefit from this system is unknown. The Social Security Directorate was unable to provide figures this Monday, and in the parliamentary debate it never mentioned the number of people potentially affected.
Why do lawmakers want to quit?
“National solidarity cannot be one-way,” said Horizons lawmaker François Gernigon this weekend during an examination of the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS). When we benefit from our health system, the best in the world, we must also contribute.” This is why lawmakers are defending an amendment to the Social Security budget that creates a “specific contribution” for foreigners (except EU citizens, European Economic Area citizens and Swiss), so that their health costs can be covered.
The amendment takes aim at American retirees who “receive their pensions abroad and pay no income taxes in France.” According to the lawmaker, “certain institutions, especially American institutions, even make this a commercial argument and sell benefits to retirees with the promise of free access to Social Security.” His amendment was adopted by 176 votes to 79.
The National Rally has proposed to further tighten the conditions for obtaining benefits from French Social Security, according to its program. “We need five years of full-time work to be able to benefit from treatment,” explained lawmaker Thomas Ménage, whose proposal was rejected by the National Assembly.
Instead, MP Paul Christophe (Horizons) proposed another subamendment so that “refugees as well as citizens who have signed bilateral social security conventions” are excluded from these contributions. This principle was adopted by the National Assembly, with government support.
