France’s healthcare system is one of the most talked-about topics among people considering a move abroad — and for good reason. Jason and I finally dove into it with this first video in a two-part series. This first installment gives you a big-picture look at how the system works and how it’s funded. Watch it here.
A Word We Got Wrong (and Why It Matters)
Shortly after publishing the video, several of our French viewers flagged something we had no idea carried political weight — welcome to life as a foreigner.
When we described the individual taxes that fund healthcare, we called them social “charges” rather than “contributions.” Turns out, that distinction is a hot-button issue in France.
Our viewers kindly explained that the word charges has gained traction in recent years as part of a push to reframe these payments as individualized, pay-for-service costs — language that aligns with efforts to privatize the system and move it toward a more market-based model.
The official term is “social contributions,” and the difference is intentional. It reflects two of the founding ideals of the French Republic: Solidarité (Solidarity) and Fraternité (Fraternity). The underlying philosophy: we’re all in this together, so we all contribute to the well-being of our communities. That’s not charity — it’s a shared responsibility that builds a society everyone can live in more fully, regardless of how much any one person directly benefits.
The American Mindset Shift
I think for those of us coming from the United States, this collective approach represents a real shift in thinking. In the US, the dominant framework is individualism — you pay for what you use, and the system reflects that.
France operates differently. Yes, we contribute a higher percentage of our household income to taxes here. But what that buys is security — for everyone living here, ourselves included. That trade-off was one of the reasons we chose France, and it’s one we’re genuinely glad we made.
How to Find a Doctor
Now, the practical stuff. In the video, we mention two excellent tools for searching for doctors in France — by location, specialty, and language. Some listings even indicate whether a doctor is currently accepting new patients.
Bookmark these:
- Doctolib.fr — the most widely used platform in France for finding and booking doctors
- Maiia.com — a great alternative that also supports teleconsultation bookings
Baguettes and Butter 4eva,❤️ Raina, Jason, and Juliana
