What are the healthcare costs in France for international patients ?
The cost of healthcare is a key question for people considering travelling to France to receive medical treatment.
What benefits does France offer for international patients ?
France has a worldwide reputation in high-quality healthcare and ground-breaking procedures. In addition, thanks to its social security system, France is considered to be particularly competitive in terms of healthcare costs compared with countries offering the same level of quality (such as the United States). Quality of care and affordable fees are key criteria for patients seeking medical treatment abroad.
What’s the average cost of medical treatment in France ? healthcare
By way of example, the average cost for cataract surgery (on one eye) is €3,000 in France. The same procedure costs €3,643 in Spain. A coronary angioplasty with stent insertion costs $28,200 in the United States versus €9,000 in France. Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) costs $35,000 in the United States, €21,000 in Germany and £18,500 in the United Kingdom, while in France it costs €14,000.
How much does it cost to be treated at an ELSAN facility in France ? Medical expenses
ELSAN facilities offer some of the most moderately priced procedures in France. As a guide, below is the average cost in 2023 of certain procedures offered by our teams :
Cataract (one eye): €2,600 Coronary angioplasty with stent insertion: €8,700 Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty): €14,000
International patients. Who has to pay healthcare fees and charges ? Healthcare reimbursement
Foreign citizens not covered by the French social security system must pay the full cost of healthcare services they receive in France. These patients are generally required to make a down payment on the treatment plan provided by ELSAN or submit a letter of guarantee from their insurer. (ELSAN has contracts with several international insurance companies.) In most cases, international patients take out private health insurance. Those who don’t have private health cover will be asked to pay the full cost of treatment themselves.
Can foreigners receive medical treatment in France for free ?
Foreign citizens cannot receive medical treatment in France for free unless they reside in the country as irregular migrants (and only for certain procedures). For scheduled care in France, international patients will be asked to provide proof of their ability to pay. Treatment costs may be covered by patients’ private health insurance.
Can patients from abroad receive medical treatment in France ?
A patient from abroad with a medical procedure scheduled in France can be treated at a French healthcare facility. As a general rule, an agreement must be signed between the patient and the facility where treatment will take place.
What rights do foreigners have in France, particularly in terms of healthcare ?
Foreign citizens wishing to receive medical treatment in France have the right to travel to the country to visit a healthcare facility. They need to obtain a special or medical visa and prove they have the necessary financial resources.
What is the procedure at ELSAN ?
After contacting ELSAN’s teams, you will fill out an application form, which must then be accepted by an ELSAN facility. If your application to receive treatment in France is accepted, you will be presented with the medical team’s treatment plan, together with a cost estimate. ELSAN teams will also send you the paperwork to be filled out and filed to obtain a visa. Once these formalities have been dealt with, you’ll receive your detailed care pathway, including dates, locations and scheduled appointments.
What is the purpose of the European Health Insurance Card ?
The European Health Insurance Card is for countries in the European Economic Area and Switzerland. Thanks to special arrangements between these countries, card holders can access state-provided healthcare when visiting another country.
Are there agreements between the French social security system (Ameli) and other national systems ?
Specific agreements may exist between France and other countries. Similarly, if you’re an expatriate or have been seconded to France, you may be covered by your employer’s health insurance.