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Health & social security

Sick leave, long-term illness, daily allowances, patients' rights.

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In brief

This area covers rights relating to health and social protection: sick leave, long-term illnesses (*ALD*), daily allowances, coverage of care, access to medical records and patients' rights.

Social protection guarantees coverage of care and a replacement income in case of illness. Sick leave opens, under conditions, entitlement to daily allowances, sometimes topped up by the employer.

Long-term illnesses benefit from 100% coverage. Patients also have rights: access to their medical record, consent to care, challenging a finding of unfitness. Our articles set out these rights and the steps to take.

All articles: health & social security

24 articles
How to Challenge a French Work Doctor's Inaptitude Decision

When an occupational physician issues an avis d'inaptitude (notice of unfitness), the shock is often brutal fo…

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Daily Allowances in France: Calculation and Caps for Expats

In France, taking sick leave, maternity leave, or time off due to a workplace accident does not mean a total l…

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Mon Espace Santé: How to Access Your Medical Records in France

Since its nationwide rollout in 2022, Mon espace santé (My Health Space) has become the digital hub for health…

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Medical Care for Minors: Parental Consent Rules in France

In France, the protection of children's health is based on a fundamental principle: autorité parentale (parent…

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Complémentaire Santé Solidaire: Free or Cheap French Health Insurance

Accessing healthcare in France without breaking the bank is a fundamental right, yet many insured residents ar…

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Tiers Payant: How to Avoid Paying Upfront for Healthcare in France

Every year, millions of French residents and foreign nationals put off medical treatment for financial reasons…

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Can a Doctor Refuse to Treat You in France? Expats' Rights

In France, access to healthcare is a fundamental right that is often perceived as absolute. However, when cons…

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ALD in France: 100% Coverage for Serious Illnesses Explained

Facing the diagnosis of a serious or chronic illness is difficult enough; the worry of healthcare costs should…

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Extending Sick Leave in France: Rules, Deadlines & Procedures

Are you currently on sick leave, but your health does not yet allow you to return to work? In France, extendin…

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Dispute with the CPAM: Commission de Recours Amiable Guide

Have you received a notification from the Caisse d’Assurance Maladie (CPAM - French primary health insurance f…

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Everyday Life Accidents in France: Insurance and Compensation

Each year in France, everyday life accidents (accidents de la vie courante or AcVC) cause more than 11 million…

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Psychiatric Care Without Consent in France: Rules and Appeals

Involuntary psychiatric hospitalization is one of the most liberty-depriving measures in French law, temporari…

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Advance Directives in France: Ensuring Your Medical Wishes Are Met

The end of life is a subject that often brings apprehension, but anticipating these delicate moments is the be…

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MDPH and AAH in France: Disability Recognition and Allowance

Dealing with a disability or an incapacitating illness is a daily challenge that should not be worsened by com…

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Disability Pension in France: Categories, Amounts and Guide

Facing an illness or a non-occupational accident that reduces your ability to work can quickly jeopardize your…

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Sick Leave Inspections in France: Rules and Employee Obligations

When an employee is forced to interrupt their professional activity for health reasons, the sick leave (arrêt …

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Medical Fee Surcharges in France: Rules and Disputes

Navigating the French healthcare system can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the final bi…

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Refusing Medical Treatment: Your Rights as a Patient in France

In France, the healthcare system is built upon a fundamental, yet often misunderstood, principle: you are the …

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Medical Confidentiality in France: Scope, Rules and Exceptions

In France, medical confidentiality is a fundamental pillar of the relationship of trust between a patient and …

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Accessing Your Medical Records in France: An Absolute Right

Every year in France, thousands of patients encounter difficulties when trying to retrieve their health histor…

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Medical Error in France: How to Get Compensation via ONIAM

When a medical treatment journey turns into a nightmare, victims of medical accidents often find themselves lo…

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Cancelling Your French Mutuelle: When and How to Do It

Subscribing to a complémentaire santé (supplementary health insurance, commonly called a mutuelle) is essentia…

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French Primary Care Doctor: Coordinated Care & Reimbursement Penalties

Since its creation in 2004, the médecin traitant (registered primary care doctor) system has become the centra…

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Carte Vitale & Health Refunds in France: A Guide for Expats

A true pillar of the French healthcare system, the Carte Vitale (French health insurance card) is much more th…

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Frequently asked questions

How are daily allowances calculated?

They correspond to a fraction of the basic daily wage, up to a ceiling. A waiting period generally applies at the start of sick leave.

What is an *ALD* and what does it change?

A long-term illness (*affection de longue durée*) is a serious condition requiring prolonged care. It allows 100% coverage of the care linked to that condition by the health insurance fund.

Can I access my medical record?

Yes. You can request access to your medical record from the facility or practitioner, who must provide it within a deadline set by law.

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