Social Security - General Organisation

It applies to all salaried and similar employees, not subject to a special scheme, without any conditions regarding age (even for pensioners, except in the case of disability, death and widowhood), nationality or sex.

From 1 January 1996, a “single recruitment declaration” was introduced to replace requests from employers and employees for registration with the social security scheme.

Foreign workers seconded to France by an employer whose registered office is located abroad are not subject to the French general scheme, but maintain their own schemes, except for countries that do not have a social security agreement with France.

RISKS CURRENTLY COVERED

All employees are automatically covered by social security provided that their contributions are up to date. The following are covered: healthcare costs (consultations, medicine, hospitalisation, laboratory costs, optician’s charges, and dental care and prostheses). They are also covered for periods when they are not working (sickness, maternity, occupational accidents and diseases). Non-EEA workers are subject to conditions regarding residence. They must have obtained work and residence permits.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Contributions to the social security scheme are paid partly by employees and partly by employers (employee’s share, employer’s share).

Contributions for occupational accidents and family allowances are paid by employers.

BENEFITS

Medical costs are refunded by the social security scheme on the basis of a percentage of contractually-agreed rates. The part to be paid by you (patient’s contribution) and the charges exceeding the statutory fees are paid by complementary insurance schemes (mutual insurance bodies, etc.). Such schemes may be paid fully by employers or by employees, or by both.

Source: European Union
© European Communities, 1995-2006
Reproduction is authorised.