Studying or working abroad is a rewarding experience. However, planning for health issues is key for total peace of mind. This article will guide you on what to know before and during your time in Paris. It covers everything from visas to insurance. This will help you focus on your goals.

As soon as your student visa is accepted, register on the website of Ameli (the official website of the Assurance maladie) for foreign students. This free step lets you get covered for your health costs while studying. Also, a medical visit to the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) is mandatory for long-stay visas. This visit is free. It provides the necessary OFII medical certificate. You need this to renew your residency permit at the prefecture. If your home country has an OFII office, the medical visit can be done before you arrive in France.

If you get sick but it is not an emergency, you have three options:

If you are a FTC Paris student, feel free to contact us — we can help you book your first appointment.

For a serious situation, call 15 immediately. This is the SAMU for medical help. Or, call 18 for the fire department (pompiers) for quick response. If you prefer a doctor at home, call SOS Médecins at 01 47 07 77 77 (in Paris). Be aware that this service costs money and can be expensive depends on the moment you ask them to come at home.

For very severe cases, if you can walk, stand, and are not at risk of fainting, go to a hospital emergency room (urgences). Use your own transport (taxi, Uber, or a friend). Check the map of AP-HP hospitals (Paris Public Hospitals) here.

Enrollment in French Social Security (Sécurité Sociale) is free and mandatory for all foreign students in France. It covers a large part of your healthcare costs. The Carte Vitale, which proves your rights, will be issued later.

For more complete coverage, buy a student mutuelle (supplementary insurance). This is essential to cover costs not reimbursed by Social Security.

If you come from an EU country, get the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country before leaving. It makes accessing care in France easy, as if you were a resident.

The French healthcare system is high-quality, reliable, and accessible — and with FTC Paris by your side, you’ll never be alone in navigating it.

Remember: eating well, staying active, and exercising regularly are your best allies for staying healthy and feeling your best during your time in France.