Medical tourism is still a developing industry in France, primarily because it has not yet been fully promoted by the French government or hospitals. Nonetheless, France has seen a steady increase in medical tourism over the past few years, primarily from Europe, the Middle East, Northern Africa and some other sub-Saharan African countries given the high quality of care, and France’s appeal as a medical tourism destination. To obtain a medical visa for France, you generally need to follow these steps. The exact requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances, so it’s always best to check with the French consulate or embassy in your country for detailed and up-to-date information.
France Medical Health System
There are 3 types of hospitals in the French healthcare system: public, private not-for-profit hospitals, and for-profit hospitals. There are 983 public and 1801 private hospitals.
Public hospitals are legally and financially independent, though they are under state supervision. 1.9 million people work in the French healthcare and social services sector, including 59,010 doctors. Most employees speak fluent English and many hospitals offer patients a free interpreter service.
European citizens can access healthcare at a reduced cost or even sometimes for free thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This can be accessed in any public hospital and in some private ones. Non-EEA nationals are not covered in France and must utilize their health insurance from their home countries.
Top Medical Centers In France Include:
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Toulouse
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Lille
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU), Bordeaux
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
- Centre hospitalier privé Saint Grégoire, Saint-Grégoire (Private Hospital)
International patients have privileges to seek medical services from the aforementioned hospitals
Eligibility
European citizens do not need a visa to enter France as long as they can prove their nationality by producing a passport or a national identity card, Also U.S. citizens can enter France for up to 3 months without a visa. However, they must be able to produce a current U.S. passport with a minimum validity of six months.
Other Nationalities who are non-members of the EU, EEA or Swiss nationals, as a generally required Visa before they can access France and its health system
Requirement for a France Medical Visa
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages (meaning 1 leaf with back and front page). The passport
- expiry date must be at least 3 months after the expiry date of the visa requested
- 1 Short stay visa application form filled in capital letters, dated and signed by the applicant
- 1 recent passport-size photo (less than 6 months), sizing 3.5 x 4.5 cm
- The application fee is cash payment only
- Your detailed travel itinerary
- Convincing evidence of financial solvency to ensure subsistence during your stay in France and return in your country of residence (detailed print out of all the transactions of your account for the past 3 months)
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay (hotel reservation and/or proof of accommodation with a relative or friend, previously validated by the town hall).
- Medical Certification If necessary, provide a certificate from your local doctor confirming the need for medical treatment abroad, along with the expected duration and specifics of your treatment.
How to Apply
To apply for a medical visa to France, you can follow these steps:
- Gather required documents: You’ll need a valid passport, medical paperwork, and other documents.
- Fill out the application online via the French embassy website: Complete the Short Stay Visa application form.
- Make an appointment: Schedule an appointment at a visa application center.
- Attend your appointment: Bring all required documents and pay the visa fee.
- Have your biometrics taken: Provide your fingerprints at your appointment.
Validity of France Medical visa.
A medical visa falls under the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), which is valid for up to 90 days in 180 days.
Processing time for a medical visa.
Visa processing can take around 10-15 business days, but it may take longer depending on the embassy’s workload or your situation.
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Application for Extension
Patients in France who have completed their treatment probably because of some unforeseen circumstances will be required for a medical visa extension. The patient must apply for a visa extension before their current visa expires. The request is typically made at the local Prefecture (or sub-prefecture) in the area where the patient is residing. Applications should be submitted in person and well in advance of the visa’s expiration date.
- Application Form: Complete the form for visa extension available at the prefecture or online.
- Submission: Submit the form with the required supporting documents.
The processing time for visa extensions varies, but it can take up to several weeks. During this period, the patient may be asked for additional documentation or clarification regarding the medical need.
Approval or Denial
If the request for an extension is granted, the patient will receive an extended visa, which will allow them to stay longer in France for their medical treatment. In case of denial, the patient must leave France before the current visa expires.
Other Considerations
Long-Term Stay Visa (VLS-TS): If the patient’s medical treatment is expected to extend beyond 90 days, they might be eligible for a long-term stay visa (VLS-TS). This visa also covers situations where the patient needs treatment for a longer period.