CPAM does reimburse overseas care — in certain cases
Contrary to popular belief, French social security (CPAM) can cover medical treatment received outside France in several situations. But reimbursement is never automatic — you must apply, within deadlines, with the correct documentation.
Healthcare in EU/EEA countries: the EHIC
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — carte européenne d'assurance maladie in French — allows you to access healthcare in any EU or EEA country on the same terms as local insured persons. Before any trip to the EU, request your EHIC free of charge at ameli.fr. If you receive treatment abroad without your EHIC, you can still claim reimbursement afterwards, though the process takes longer and documents must be translated.
💡 Your EHIC is not a travel insurance substitute — it covers medically necessary care but not repatriation, private clinic treatment, or planned tourism medicine. Take out travel insurance separately for trips.
Emergency care outside the EU
For emergency treatment received in a non-EU country, CPAM reimburses based on the French rates for equivalent procedures. Since treatment abroad often costs significantly more, the reimbursement typically covers only a fraction of the actual cost — another reason to have travel insurance. Requirements: the care must have been genuinely urgent and unforeseeable. You must keep all original invoices and prescriptions.
Planned care in another EU country
You have a legal right under the EU cross-border healthcare directive to seek planned treatment in any EU country and be reimbursed at French rates. For complex hospitalisation, you need prior authorisation from CPAM before receiving treatment. Without prior authorisation, CPAM may refuse reimbursement or significantly reduce it.
How to file a reimbursement claim
Send to your CPAM within 2 years of receiving treatment:
- Original invoices with detailed description of procedures (not just a total amount)
- Medical prescriptions where applicable
- Proof of payment (bank receipt, credit card statement)
- For documents in a foreign language: a sworn translation is often required for significant claims
- Your bank details if not already registered with CPAM