Healthcare in Dijon, for newcomers.

Contents

1. Joining the French system
2. Complementary insurance
3. Finding a doctor
4. Hospitals in Dijon
5. Before you are a resident
6. Frequently asked questions

French public health insurance covers residents, whatever their nationality, once they live in France in a stable and regular way. Until then, travellers rely on their own cover.

Joining the French system

After three months of stable and regular residence in France, you can apply to the local health insurance office (CPAM) to join the public system, called PUMa. You then receive a social security number and a carte Vitale. Workers in France are covered through their job. Official information: ameli.fr.

Complementary insurance

The public system reimburses part of the costs. A complementary insurance, the mutuelle, covers most of the rest. Employers offer one to their employees; others choose their own.

Finding a doctor

Choose a regular GP, the médecin traitant, and declare them: you are then better reimbursed. In many parts of France, GPs are in short supply, so start looking as soon as you arrive. Pharmacists are a good first point of contact for small problems.

Hospitals in Dijon

Dijon has the CHU Dijon Bourgogne, the university hospital, the Centre Georges-François Leclerc, a regional cancer centre, and several private clinics. For emergencies, call 15, or 112 from any phone.

Before you are a resident

European visitors use their European Health Insurance Card; British visitors their GHIC; others need private travel insurance. Pensioners from the EU or the UK may be covered through the S1 form. Retiring to Burgundy. I work in English and French every day. I also speak Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi fluently, Persian (Farsi) very well, and good Greek and Arabic.

Frequently asked questions