The French Healthcare System and Cancer Treatments

The French healthcare system has a very good reputation, but it can be difficult to navigate through the administration, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the process, do not speak French, and (on top of everything) are coping with the stress of a diagnosis.

At CSF-Languedoc we are able to provide practical support and advice to you through all or, if you prefer, just some of the key stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Below is a short glossary of some of the most common terms you are likely to come across in your dealings with the French healthcare system:

Carte Vitale

Medical care is accessed through being registered in the French healthcare system. The Carte Vitale is required as proof of eligibility. If you are a recent arrival in France you may not have completed the registration and need advice.

Medecin Traitant

Your first point of contact is usually with your local doctor and designated medecin traitant (similar to General Practitioner in the UK). He or she will give you a prescription (ordonnance) to see a cancer consultant / oncologist and for any initial scans.

Affection Longue Durée

Patients diagnosed with cancer are registered as Affection Longue Durée (ALD). Medical treatment associated with ALD is provided free of charge within the French healthcare system. . 

Consultant / Oncologist

Appointments with a cancer consultant or oncologist are made by the patient, often by telephone. Patients (or their carers) often need advice or language support in this part of the process.

Cancer Scans

The consultant may request detailed scans to be carried out and these are generally carried out at specialist hospitals such as Institut du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM). 

Cancer Treatment Protocol

The consultant will recommend a cancer treatment protocol depending on the diagnosis. This may involve radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy and be carried out at a hospital or clinic.

Palliative care

In some circumstances, patients can receive their treatment at home instead of in the hospital. Palliative care at home is provided through the Hospitalisation a Domicile (HAD) scheme.