CPAM can reimburse — but not in every case
Contrary to what many believe, CPAM can cover healthcare received abroad in several situations. But reimbursement is not automatic — you need to apply, within deadlines, with the right documents. The level of reimbursement depends on the country where you were treated and the nature of the care received.
Healthcare in an EU country: the European Health Insurance Card
If you received healthcare in an EU country, EEA or Switzerland, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) allows you to access care on the same terms as local insured persons. You can request your EHIC free of charge on ameli.fr before any trip. If you didn't have your EHIC at the time of treatment, you can request retrospective reimbursement — though the process takes longer.
Emergency care outside the EU: you pay upfront, CPAM reimburses part
For emergency treatment received outside the EU (sudden illness, accident), CPAM reimburses based on French rates for equivalent procedures. This reimbursement is often partial — treatment typically costs far more abroad than in France. Make sure you keep all original invoices and prescriptions — without them, no reimbursement is possible.
Documents for your reimbursement application
Send to your CPAM within 2 years of receiving treatment: original invoices with a detailed description of procedures performed, medical prescriptions if applicable, proof of payment, and if documents are in a foreign language, a sworn translation is often required for significant claims.
Planned treatment abroad: a specific process
If you want to have planned treatment in another EU country, you can benefit from the European cross-border healthcare directive. In this case, prior authorisation from CPAM is needed for complex treatment requiring hospitalisation. Without this prior authorisation, reimbursement may be refused or reduced.