Yes. Non-EU students staying more than 3 months must register for French Social Security to receive a Social Security Number France, access French health insurance, and obtain a Carte Vitale.
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Social Security in France (Sécurité sociale) is the national public healthcare system and forms part of the broader French social security system. If you are wondering what is social security, it is the system that provides access to French health insurance and public medical coverage. .
As a student, registering for Social Security allows you to:
The French health insurance system ensures that students benefit from reliable and affordable health insurance in France. Healthcare registration under the French social security system is mandatory for most students.
All non-EU / non-EEA international students studying in France for more than 3 months must register under the French social security system to obtain a Social Security Number France and access health insurance in France.
After arriving in France and once your student visa is validated.
Online via the official platform: etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr
Your Carte Vitale is the official health card used within the Sécurité Sociale in France system. It allows automatic reimbursement of medical expenses through French health insurance.
Most EU/EEA/Swiss students do not need to register in the French Social Security system immediately.
Note: If you begin working in France or stay long-term, you may register for Social Security in France and obtain a social security number.
If you later join the French social security system, you will receive a Social Security Number France and eventually a Carte Vitale.
French students are automatically covered under the French Social Security system.
French students already have a Carte Vitale, which they use for medical appointments and reimbursements under French health insurance and health insurance in France.
Under Sécurité Sociale in France, students benefit from reimbursement of:
The French health insurance system typically covers a large portion of standard medical costs. Students often add a mutuelle (top-up insurance) to complement health insurance in France and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding what is social security is essential for anyone studying abroad.
Having a valid Social Security Number France gives you official access to public healthcare services across the country.
Multirisk Tenant Insurance (Assurance multirisque habitation – locataire) is a mandatory home insurance in France for most tenants. While Social Security in France covers your healthcare, tenant insurance protects your accommodation and personal belongings.
In simple terms, it covers accidents, damage, and liability related to your rented home.
It usually includes three main types of protection.
First, damage to the property. This includes fire, water leaks, storms, or electrical damage affecting the accommodation.
Second, damage to your belongings. Your personal items like clothes, laptop, phone, furniture, and appliances are protected against risks such as fire, water damage, or theft, depending on your policy.
Third, civil liability insurance (responsabilité civile). This covers you if you accidentally cause damage to neighbours, the building, or other individuals.
Yes.
In France, tenant insurance is legally required for almost all renters, including students. Just as Social Security in France is required for healthcare protection, tenant insurance is required for housing protection.
Landlords usually request an insurance certificate (attestation d’assurance):
It applies whether you live in student residences, shared flats, or private apartments.
Most basic policies do not cover:
Optional add-ons may include theft cover, extended electronics protection, and legal assistance.
For students, it is generally affordable, around €5–€15 per month, depending on:
Yes. Non-EU students staying more than 3 months must register for French Social Security to receive a Social Security Number France, access French health insurance, and obtain a Carte Vitale.
Usually no. EU students can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) unless they start working in France.
You generally need a passport, visa or ID, proof of enrolment, proof of address, and bank details. Non-EU students also need a translated birth certificate to receive their social security number.
Yes. Most students must have tenant insurance before moving into rented accommodation in France
Social Security in France covers your healthcare through the French health insurance system. Tenant insurance covers your accommodation and liability as a renter
Make sure your Social Security registration and Tenant Insurance are arranged before or immediately after arrival.
Contact Oliasi France today to make your student move to France simple, safe, and stress-free.