Login
If you’re self-employed, a freelancer, or a remote worker living in France, one of your first questions might be: Can I get health insurance in France if I’m self-employed?
The answer is yes, and in fact, France offers one of the most accessible healthcare systems in Europe, even for independent workers. In this article, we’ll explain how self-employed expats can access the French public healthcare system, what you need to register, and whether you should consider private or top-up insurance alongside it.
Yes, Self-Employed People Are Covered
If you work for yourself in France, whether you're a freelancer, contractor, consultant, or own a small business, you are eligible to join the French healthcare system. You're considered a travailleur indépendant and must register both your professional status and health coverage through official channels.
The public system will cover:
✅ Doctor and specialist visits
✅ Hospital stays
✅ Emergency care
✅ Maternity care
✅ Prescriptions
The only difference is that as a self-employed person, you handle your own social contributions (cotisations sociales), including health insurance payments, instead of having them deducted by an employer.
Step-by-Step: How to Sign Up as a Self-Employed Worker
If you’re self-employed, you are automatically integrated into the Sécurité sociale des indépendants, the dedicated branch of the French social security system for independent workers.
Here’s how to register and access public healthcare and social protection as a freelancer or business owner:
Step 1: Declare the Start of Your Activity
Your first step is to officially declare your self-employed status. This is required for all freelancers, auto-entrepreneurs, and independent professionals.
You can complete the declaration online at entreprises.gouv.fr or by downloading and submitting the form available through your Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE), which depends on your business type (e.g. URSSAF, Chambre de Métiers, Chambre de Commerce)
Once submitted, your registration triggers the creation of your SIRET number (business ID) and initiates your enrolment in the social security system.
Step 2: Receive Your Social Security Affiliation Notification
After registration, you’ll receive a notification of affiliation from the Sécurité sociale pour les indépendants (SSI). This includes:
✅ Confirmation of your official affiliation
✅ An overview of your social protection rights (health, maternity, disability, retirement, etc.)
✅ Contact details for the relevant institutions managing your different social benefits
This affiliation is effective from the official start date of your self-employed activity, even if your confirmation arrives later.
Step 3: Create Your Online Accounts to Manage Your Coverage
Once your registration is confirmed, you can manage all your social contributions and benefits online:
Health (Sickness, Medical Reimbursements)
Health coverage is managed by your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). Once your affiliation is active, you can create an account on Ameli.fr, track reimbursements, apply for a Carte Vitale and access support for sick leave, maternity, and more
Social Contributions
Your social security contributions are collected by URSSAF, which replaced the former secu-independants.fr site. You can set up your URSSAF account, view and pay your contributions, declare your income and track payments for health, family benefits, retirement, and CSG/CRDS charges.
Family Benefits
The CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) manages family-related allowances and benefits (e.g. childcare aid, housing assistance). Once registered, you can create an account on caf.fr.
Can Digital Nomads and Remote Workers Apply?
If you’re self-employed but working remotely for international clients, or running a business online from France, you can still access the public system, but you'll need to establish legal residency and register your professional status in France.
You may also need to prove that France is your main place of residence (e.g. spending more than 183 days per year in the country) and that you’re not insured elsewhere.
What’s Not Fully Covered by the Public System
Even once you’re in the system, it’s important to know that Assurance Maladie does not cover 100% of your healthcare expenses. The following are only partially covered or excluded:
❌ Dental care (e.g. crowns, implants)
❌ Optical care (glasses and lenses)
❌ Hearing aids
❌ Alternative therapies (unless medically necessary)
❌ Private hospital rooms or certain specialist fees
This is why most self-employed professionals in France choose to purchase a mutuelle, which can cover these gaps and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
👉 Need extra cover? Get a quote for top-up health insurance for freelancers
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Get Covered
So, can you get French health insurance if you’re self-employed? Absolutely. Whether you’re a micro-entrepreneur, digital nomad, or full-time freelancer, the French healthcare system is accessible, high-quality, and affordable—as long as you register your activity and apply correctly.
To make the process smoother:
➡️ Register your self-employed status early
➡️ Keep records of your income and proof of address
➡️ Apply for public healthcare through CPAM
➡️ Choose a mutuelle to ensure complete protection
At FAB French Insurance, we help freelancers and remote workers across France get the health cover they need—whether you’re just arriving or fully established.
👉 Want expert help finding the right plan? Contact us today to explore your options.
