France's approach to health requirements for migrants — what's required and how PUMa universal healthcare works.
Overview
France has limited pre-arrival health requirements for visa applicants. There is no general medical examination, tuberculosis screening, or HIV test required for standard work, study, family, or business visas. The Visitor visa typically requires comprehensive private health insurance for the visa period; some specific categories may require a basic medical certificate. The substantive health 'requirement' is post-arrival access to PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie) — France's universal healthcare system. Workers automatically covered via employer contributions; non-workers can apply after 3 months of legal stable residence. France has mandatory childhood vaccinations (11 vaccines as of 2018). This guide covers all health requirements, verified against ameli.fr and service-public.fr.
Pre-Arrival Health Requirements by Visa
| Visa Category | Medical Certificate? | Insurance? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talent visa | No | Optional during visa period | Many international policies accepted |
| Standard work (Salarié) | No | Employer-sponsored Sécurité Sociale | Automatic enrolment |
| Visitor visa | Generally not required | Comprehensive private | Full visa period coverage |
| Student visa | No | Yes — private OR LMDE/student insurance | Full visa period |
| Family / Spouse | No | Sponsor's coverage often extends | Or private insurance |
| Schengen Type C | No | Yes — EUR 30,000 travel insurance | Standard Schengen |
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See Paid Plans →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a medical examination for a French visa?
Generally no. Standard visa categories (Talent, Salarié, Visitor, Student, Family, Schengen Type C) don't require pre-arrival medical examination. Some specific categories may request a basic certificate. Tuberculosis screening, chest X-rays, and HIV testing are NOT required.
How does French healthcare (PUMa) work for new arrivals?
PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie) is France's universal healthcare. Workers automatic enrolment via employer contributions from first day of work. Non-workers can apply at CPAM after 3 months of legal stable residence. Coverage: 70% of GP visits, 100% of long-term conditions, prescription medications subsidised. Mutuelle (supplementary insurance) commonly added for the 30% gap.
What is a mutuelle and do I need one?
Mutuelle is French supplementary health insurance covering the 30% gap in basic PUMa reimbursement. Cost EUR 30-150/month/adult depending on coverage level. Many employers offer mutuelle as a benefit. Some employers even require employees to take up the company mutuelle (mutuelle obligatoire). Without mutuelle, you pay 30% of medical costs out of pocket after PUMa reimbursement.
How much does PUMa cost in 2026?
Free for workers via employer contributions. Self-employed pay own contributions via RSI/SSI. Non-workers (PUMa via 3-month residence test): pay a 6.5% Contribution de Solidarité on income above EUR 9,733/year threshold. This is significantly cheaper than full private insurance.
Are childhood vaccinations mandatory in France?
Yes — 11 mandatory vaccinations for children born after 1 January 2018: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, hepatitis B, meningococcus C, pneumococcal, measles, mumps, rubella. Required for school enrolment. Bring home-country vaccination records — French pediatricians can catch up via PUMa-covered vaccinations.
Does France require tuberculosis screening?
Not for standard visa applicants. Healthcare workers in specific settings may face occupational TB screening. France's general TB incidence is low and screening is targeted at high-risk groups, not the general migrant population.
Are HIV-positive applicants eligible for French residence?
Yes. France doesn't deny visas, residence permits, or naturalisation based on HIV status. HIV testing not required. HIV treatment fully covered by PUMa. France has strong anti-discrimination protections.
What is the médecin traitant and do I need to register?
Your designated primary care doctor — France's gatekeeping system. Register your médecin traitant with CPAM to get full reimbursement rates. Without a registered médecin traitant, GP visit reimbursement drops from 70% to 30%. Switch médecin traitant at any time.