How to pay a French hospital bill - UK guide for expats and travellers

Finding yourself in hospital can be stressful enough, whether you took a tumble on the French ski slopes, ate something dodgy, or have an ongoing illness. But then there’s the added challenge of knowing how to pay a French hospital bill.

This guide is here to help, with simple steps for both visitors and expats in France. You’ll learn about the cost of French healthcare, when to pay your bill and how to get money back.

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Who has to pay to visit the hospital in France?

Most people have to pay for French healthcare, whether you’re living in France or just visiting. Part of the cost is usually covered if you’re a UK resident with a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or an expat with access to the French healthcare system.

How do I pay a French hospital bill with a GHIC card?

You’ll usually need to pay the bill yourself and apply for a refund later. Make sure to present your GHIC at the hospital and collect your treatment form, as this is important for claiming your money back.¹

What is a GHIC?

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives UK residents access to necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA) and some other countries on the same basis as a local. In France, this means you get discounted rates. It’s free to apply for a GHIC from the NHS.²

What does the GHIC cover?

It covers necessary, unplanned healthcare like:

• accidents and emergencies
• long-term and pre-existing medical conditions
• routine maternity care, as long as you haven’t gone abroad to give birth³

If you’re planning to get medical care abroad, you must have pre-approval and an S2 certificate to get a refund. Learn more about the Planned Treatment Scheme on the NHS website.⁴

How to get a GHIC refund on a French hospital bill

Here’s how to pay your hospital bill and get money back using your GHIC:

1. Show your GHIC when you’re admitted to the hospital
2. Ask for a feuille de soins (treatment form)
3. Pay the bill when you leave the hospital
4. Keep the receipt and any other paperwork
5. Apply for a refund from either:
   • the hospital’s local Caisse Primaire d'Assurance-Maladie (CPAM) office¹
   • the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services when you return to the UK⁵

Do I still need travel insurance if I have a GHIC?

Yes, it’s a good idea. Travel insurance can cover costs that the GHIC doesn’t, like:

• Standard patient contributions
• Non-urgent treatment
• Private healthcare
• Ski and mountain rescue - especially useful if you plan to hit the alps
• Repatriation (getting you back to the UK if you’re too unwell to travel normally)⁵

Also, travel insurance is required if you’re a non-UK/EU/EEA citizen applying for a French Schengen visa.⁶

How do I claim a French hospital bill on travel insurance?

It depends on your policy, but you’ll typically need to:

1. Contact your insurer as soon as you’re admitted or treated
2. Keep copies of your hospital bills and medical reports
3. Pay the hospital upfront
4. Fill in an insurance claims form and attach evidence

Be aware that travel insurance policies have limits and exclusions. Always check the small print before you travel.

Can I use a GHIC if I move to France?

No, most people who move to France from the UK can’t use a GHIC to access French healthcare. There are exceptions, for example, you can use a GHIC if you’re studying in France or posted there by a UK employer. But usually the GHIC is for short stays like a holiday or business trip.⁷

How do French residents pay a French hospital bill?

The French healthcare system covers around 70-80% of most costs for residents with a Carte Vitale (national health insurance card). Often, you’ll pay upfront and get a refund for the state-funded portion within a few days. But if you’re hospitalised, the state usually pays the hospital directly through the tiers payant system.

It’s common to buy mutuelle insurance to help cover the 20-30% that isn’t state funded. Again, you may pay upfront and get a refund later.⁸

Who can get a Carte Vitale?

Most people can register for a Carte Vitale after three months of residency in France, including those on a French long-stay visa or French residence permit.⁹ If you’d normally get a UK state pension, you may have a right to free healthcare as a British pensioner in France.

How much are doctor and hospital bills in France?

Here’s an idea of common healthcare costs in France and the discount you can expect with a GHIC or Carte Vitale.

What’s the best way to pay a French hospital bill in euros?

When it’s time to settle up, you’ll usually need to pay in euros. Your options may include:

• Bank SWIFT transfer - Usually slow and costly due to exchange rate markups and extra fees.
• Credit/debit card - Can be convenient, but you’ll often pay hidden fees.
• International money transfer services - Could potentially offer the best exchange rates, lower fees and faster transfers. For instance, it’s simple to pay international bills with Wise.

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FAQs about paying a French hospital bill

Still got questions? Here are some additional questions about French hospital bills.

Do I need to pay a French hospital bill upfront?

Yes, visitors in France often have to pay upfront for healthcare. You may be able to claim a reimbursement later using a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card), EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and/or travel insurance.

What’s the easiest way to pay a French hospital bill in euros?

International money transfer services are usually the fastest and cheapest way to send pounds as euros. They can take seconds compared to 4-5 days for a bank SWIFT transfer. Around 70% of Wise transfers arrive in under 20 seconds.

Note: Transaction speed claimed depends on individual circumstances and may not be available for all transactions.

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Is healthcare free in France with a GHIC?

No. Your GHIC gives you access to necessary healthcare at the same rates that French residents pay. This usually means you’ll pay around 20-30% of the full cost.

Can I still use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

The GHIC replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) after Brexit. You can use a valid EHIC until its expiry date, after which you’ll need to apply for a GHIC. You can only apply for a new EHIC if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.²

Sources used in this article:

1. Cleiss.fr - getting your hospital bills reimbursed
2. NHS - applying for healthcare cover abroad
3. NHS - applying for a GHIC card
4. NHS - NHS Planned Treatment Scheme
5. Gov.uk - foreign travel advice
6. AXA - travel insurance required for non-UK/EU/EEA citizens
7. Gov.uk - GHIC exceptions
8. Connexion France - paying a doctor in France
9. Gov.uk - healthcare if you live and work in France
10. Ameli.fr - reimbursable healthcare costs in France
11. Cleiss.fr - healthcare costs in France for UK citizens
12. Connexion France - what cost is and isn’t covered

Sources last checked on: 3 Oct 2025