French Parliament Announces New Amendment to Social Security Financing Bill
The French Parliament has announced a new amendment to the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) for 2026, stating that all non-European foreigners will be required to pay a defined contribution to benefit from health insurance services.
Background: Universal Health Coverage
The former Universal Health Coverage (CMU), also known as "Universal Health Protection" (PUMA), has allowed anyone residing in France for more than three months to obtain medical coverage since 2016, regardless of their nationality or professional situation. Some foreign retirees had benefited from this system, obtaining a "Vitale" card and receiving medical reimbursements without paying contributions.
The New Law
With this new amendment, non-European foreigners will no longer be able to benefit from free healthcare, but will have to pay a mandatory contribution, the amount of which will be defined later by a regulatory decree.
Previous Financing System
Until now, this system was financed by French taxpayers, which had raised debate about its sustainability and fairness, especially since some American real estate agencies were using this benefit to attract foreign retirees to France. The new amendment aims to address these concerns and ensure a more equitable financing system for healthcare services in France.
