Paris Healthcare, Childcare and School 

Paris healthcare, childcare and school is not hard to find, provided you have a good guide during your time in the city. Here’s looking at all these aspects in a detailed manner. 

Healthcare in Paris 

Healthcare is universal in Paris with 96% of the population under insurance coverage. The city is home to more than 2,700 hospitals along with 22,000+ pharmacies as well. Health insurance costs are roughly between € 23- €40 every month for a single individual. With the national healthcare system covering up to 70% of medical costs, most residents opt for supplementary healthcare insurance plans with the costs mentioned above. Universal healthcare is compulsory for all citizens, irrespective of their employment status. 

It is managed by the Ministry of Health and the French Social Security office administers Government coverage. The 70% threshold covers general medicine, clinics and hospitals, pharmacy expenditure, dentists and there is full coverage for residents who are 65 years of age or older and also those with chronic ailments. Private insurance may be bought for covering costs like long-term private healthcare or chiropractors. All long-term visitors and foreigners should also get healthcare coverage under the Government sponsored PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) and this is mandatory for all those residing in Paris for at least 3 months. 

Non-profit healthcare insurance plans are known as mutuelle and there are private plans, as mentioned, which offer added coverage over and above what is offered by the Government. You can sign up by registering for your social security number at the CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) office or the health insurance office that is nearest to you. Make sure to carry your birth certificate, passport, deed, visa, rent or lease receipts and income proof documents. You may have to show utility bills for proving your long-term residence commitment as well. Register for the national health card or a carte vitale at your local office. 

For emergency medical aid, you have to call 15 or SAMU (Service d’Aide Medical d’Urgenc*e). 100+ SAMU call centres exist throughout France with local hospital connections. There are trained medical professionals and doctors on call and they provide medical guidance via phone or send medics and organize transportation to local hospitals. 112 is the free European emergency international number and the average waiting time is just 10 minutes before someone is seen by a doctor in the emergency room. Paris is home to both private and state hospitals and reimbursements are similar across both types of establishments. 

Childcare in Paris 

Paris is home to several systems of childcare including crèches where staff members are assistants in pediatric nursing. Staff may also have training from the National Education Ministry for these centres. There are almost 23.9 crèche locations for every 100 children in Paris. Children less than 20 years of age (if their parents are registered taxpayers) will get allocations familiales. This benefit commences from a month after giving birth to your second child. You will get € 120.32 each month for two children and this benefit is € 274.47 for three children. € 154.15 is also given for every additional child thereafter. 

Ecoles Maternelles or nursery schools in France take children between 2-6 years of age and this is absolutely free of cost. Almost every school in France has dedicated childcare facilities although they are payable. Paris also has numerous daycare and pre-school centres which are both privately and publicly operated. These take children as little as three months old and upwards. Most of them stay open for about 11 hours each day. A system known as assistantes maternelles or qualified nurses/nannies for children is also helpful. They may care for up to 5 children together. They are required to have state diplomas in childcare while being subject to inspections periodically. Several parent associations also operate nurseries or crèches parentales. 

Education in Paris 

Paris is home to numerous primary and secondary schools. There are leading names like the American School of Paris while the British School of Paris is another top choice. You may also choose a local French school for your child or any of these international schools, depending upon your preferences. Most international schools provide the IB (International Baccalaureate) system while the American School of Paris also offers the AAP (American Advanced Placement) curriculum. Other top names include Ecole Active Bilingue, Lennen Bilingual School, Lycee International American Section and the Paris International School. 

Secondary education comprises of Colleges which offer education between 11-14 years of age. This is also called high school within the city of Paris. Lycees are three-year further secondary education courses between 15-18. Children prepare for the baccalaureat. Students also appear for the diploma national du Brevet, the examination at the end of college. Ecoles privees are private schools in Paris. There are schools for children with special needs as well. 

There are more than 3,500 higher education institutions in Paris including leading universities. As per reports, more than 2 million students are presently enrolled in the country. Yet, the OECD has stated that only 40% of youngsters in France choose to get enrolled into higher education courses. Public universities exist in large numbers throughout Paris and beyond. They are usually named after leading cities near which they are situated, followed by numerals in case there are many institutions in the radius. Paris has 13 universities called from I to XIII. Many of these universities are located in the suburbs although they are near Paris. The CNOUS (Centre National des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) should be contacted by students in Paris for learning more about higher education in the city. 

Being the capital of France, Paris offers the best healthcare, childcare and educational facilities for all residents and their families. You will also appreciate Government support in these sectors, especially if you will be staying for a longer duration. If you require assistance with accommodation, we are there to help. Choose the best Paris serviced apartments for a memorable long-term stay in the city.