Living in the Languedoc:    The Medical System:    The State System

The equivalent of the NHS in France is the Sécurité Sociale (literally "Social Security". When you register with the Sécurité Sociale you will receive an attestation and a green "carte vitale" with your number and rights on it.

It is the Sécurité Sociale that reimburses the majority of medical expenses you incur, but not necessarily all of them. Contributions are directly taken off wages and salaries for employees.

Supplementary health insurance. Most French people buy complimentary medical insurance, known as a "mutuelle". Premiums are paid monthly to cover the full reimbursement of medical expenses not covered by the Sécurité Sociale