Health care in France

Health care in France (pronunciation: /ˈhɛlθ keər ɪn fræns/) refers to the comprehensive system of health care services provided by the French government to its citizens.

Etymology

The term "health care" originates from the Old English words "hǣlþ" meaning "health" and "carian" meaning "to care for". The term "France" is derived from the Latin "Francia" which means "land of the Franks".

Overview

Health care in France is a mix of public and private providers. The French health care system is one of universal health care largely financed by government national health insurance. In its 2000 assessment of world health care systems, the World Health Organization found that France provided the "best overall health care" in the world.

Health Insurance

In France, health insurance is mandatory. The French Health Insurance (l'Assurance Maladie) is a branch of the French Social Security (la Sécurité Sociale). It reimburses patients for a portion of their health care costs in exchange for a regular premium.

Hospitals

There are two types of hospitals in France: public hospitals (hôpitaux publics) and private clinics (cliniques privées). Public hospitals are funded by the state and are available to all residents, regardless of their insurance status. Private clinics are typically more expensive and offer a higher level of comfort and service.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies in France (pharmacies françaises) play a crucial role in the French health care system. They are the only places where prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be purchased. They also offer health advice and minor medical services.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Health care in France
Wikipedia's article - Health care in France

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Health care in France