In France, Long-Term Visitors (those with a visa de long séjour visiteur) are typically not eligible for the French social security system (Sécurité sociale) because this visa category does not grant the right to work or access public benefits. The long-term visitor visa is intended for people who wish to reside in France for an extended period without engaging in any professional activity.
Here are a few key points:
1. No Access to French Social Security:
- As a long-term visitor, you are not allowed to work, and therefore, you won’t contribute to the French social security system through taxes or social charges.
- Since you are not contributing, you generally won’t be entitled to benefits like French healthcare, pensions, or other social benefits.
2. Private Health Insurance Requirement:
- France requires long-term visitors to have private health insurance to cover medical expenses. You will need proof of comprehensive private health insurance as part of your visa application, and this will serve as your primary form of coverage while living in France.
3. PUMa Health Coverage (Protection Universelle Maladie):
- After residing in France for at least three months, you may be able to apply for French state healthcare under the PUMa (Protection Universelle Maladie) system, but this is not guaranteed for long-term visitors. Some regional health offices may accept applications from long-term visitors, but the primary requirement is that you must be able to prove that you are residing in France stably and regularly.
- Even if accepted into the PUMa system, it generally only covers basic healthcare. You would still need private health insurance to cover the rest.
4. No Social Security Benefits (Pensions, Family Benefits, etc.):
- You won’t have access to other social security benefits such as pensions, unemployment benefits, or family benefits because you are not contributing to the French system through employment.
5. Alternatives for Foreign Pensioners:
- If you are a retiree receiving a foreign pension, you may be able to access healthcare in France through bilateral agreements between your home country and France (depending on your nationality). For example, EU citizens can transfer their health benefits to France, and some countries outside the EU have similar agreements. However, this would not apply to most long-term visitor visa holders from countries without such agreements.
In summary, long-term visitors in France are generally not eligible for French social security benefits, including healthcare, unless they qualify under specific exceptions like PUMa after a period of residence. You will need to rely on private health insurance for the duration of your stay.