Smear tests in France

Smear tests in France are done by your GP (médecin traitant) or a gynaecologist (Ginecologue). They are called ‘Frottis cervico-vaginal’ in French.

If you prefer to visit a gynaecologist, you don’t need to be referred by your GP. You can visit the one of your choice or find one in the French Yellow Pages under ‘Ginécologue’. Don't forget your Carte Vitale.

You may have to wait 10 to 15 days before you can see him/her.

The result of the smear test will be sent to you by post about 10/15 days later and your GP or gynaecologist will get a copy.

If the doctor notices something wrong, they will contact you directly to carry on more tests.

How much is the smear test going to cost?

The smear test costs about €17 in France - which could be covered by your Mutuelle if you have one.

The appointment at the gynaecologists in France is €28. (prices of Jan 2012).

Visit to the doctors in France

Once you have registered with a French doctor (see my post about “Déclaration de choix du médecin traitant” here) if you are unwell just call the doctor to arrange an appointment.

Here is what you need to say: “Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous, s’il vous plait”.

You should be able to see the doctor within 48 hours unless it is urgent he/she will be able to see you on the same day. Most doctors don’t have any flashy offices or receptionist. They take their own appointments (or their wives take the phone calls from home) so the first time you are visiting the doctor’s you might find it strange that no-one is there to greet you. Just wait in the waiting room (salle d’attente) until it is your turn. Some French doctors have open surgery so no appointment is needed. Just come when they are open!

At the end of the consultation, you will need to show your Carte Vitale and pay 22 euros. Most doctors take cheques or cash but they don’t take bank cards I guess to save on bank fees. Within a coupe of days 70% of the 22 euros will be reimbursed into your bank account from the French Social Security and if you have a top up insurance (Mutuelle) the 30% left will be covered.

Registering with the French Health System (CPAM, RAM, Mutuelle Action, etc)

I always advise my British clients to contact the NHS (Tel. 01912 181 999 - overseas) before relocating to France in order to apply for the necessary documents to get into the French Health Service. You need to apply for a S1. This document can take a while to come through so it is best to apply for them just before moving to France.

Once it is in your possession, visit your local CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie). Your local mairie will be able to give you the address of the local branch. As the French love their paperwork, always carry with you for the 6 months following your move to France your passport, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and a proof of address (phone, EDF or water bill) with you The CPAM office will also need your bank details. It is called a RIB (Relevé d’identité bancaire). Your French bank will supply you with several RIB when you open a French bank account but if you require more just ask your bank, they will print some more for you. You can also find one in your cheque book.

Once you are registered it will take a while for you to receive your Carte Vitale but in the meantime you will get a proof of your registration called “attestation”. Carry this paperwork with you all the time. I always advise my British clients to copy it and keep a copy in their hand bag, wallets and glove box of the car. Emergencies can happen anytime! The doctor, dentist, chemist and any other practitioners and healthcare specialists will ask for the attestation. Once you’ve received your Carte Vitale keep the attestation in your file. It will be handy to have if you lose your Carte Vitale.

You will then have to register with a doctor (médecin traitant). You are free to choose the one you want and can change anytime. You will have to send a new “Déclaration de choix du médecin traitant” each time you decide to change. Those forms can be picked up from the CPAM or you ill find one online by visiting www.ameli.fr.

For the expats arriving in France and who are not officially retired or employed in France they will have to take up private health insurance until they reach retirement age or have lived in France for 5 years. Many insurance companies offer private insurance. Shop around and budget for it now as it can be pricy!
If you are self-employed, you won’t have to register with CPAM. Where you register to pay your health and social charges will depend on what professional activity you have. This information will be given to you on registering your business.

It sounds rather complicated – I know. When I first moved back to France (I lived in Jersey in the Channel Islands for 8 years) I was facing the same procedure as any expats. If you are employed in France and become self-employed (or vice versa) make sure you contact the new social security.

Don’t assume because you are paying social charges (charges sociales) that you are covered!

Don’t assume the ‘old’ social security will inform the ‘new’ one about you!
When I set up my business I had 2 Cartes Vitales, one from CPAM and one from Mutelle Action both showing that I and my partner were insured in France. However following an emergency at the hospital I was facing a 125 euros bill that none of the social securities wanted to reimburse! I had to write to both and explain the situation. I did get my money back but I couldn’t understand how suddenly they didn’t know although I had 2 valid Cartes Vitales!

Registering can be long but it is worth it. Remember: the French healthcare service is one of the best in the world, offering a wide choice of general practitioners and healthcare specialists!

If you need any assistance with registering with the French Health System, don’t hesitate to contact me. I will pleased to help.

Please drop me a line if you find this post useful.